Putin's government just accused Obama of 'Russophobia'

Russian President Vladimir Putin's government didn't take kindly to President Obama criticizing Donald Trump's praise for Putin. On Wednesday, a day after Obama delivered a speech blasting Trump for viewing Putin as a "role model," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov issued a statement calling the remarks "electoral-style rhetoric" that wouldn't bode well for the U.S. and Russia's future relations. "Sadly, we see the continuation of this blatant Russophobia. All we can do is express our regrets in this regard," Peskov said. "Let's put it this way: Such statements will hardly help the shy and very fragile attempts at building at least some mutual trust [between the U.S. and Russia]."
In particular, Obama hit Trump for praising Putin's "82 percent" approval rating, which Obama contended is "what happens" when "you control the media and you've taken away everybody's civil liberties, and you jail dissidents." Trump has repeatedly praised Putin throughout his campaign, appearing on a Russian state-owned television network and applauding Putin's "very strong control over a country."
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Larry Ellison: the billionaire’s burgeoning media empire
In the Spotlight Oracle founder’s takeover of traditional and new media companies labelled ‘dangerous for democracy’ by US press watchdog
-
Budget-friendly Alpine escapes: the best ski resorts in Austria
The Week Recommends Expect fewer tourists and plenty of snow in the stunning Austrian Alps
-
Megabatteries are powering up clean energy
Under the radar They can store and release excess energy
-
Millions turn out for anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ rallies
Speed Read An estimated 7 million people participated, 2 million more than at the first ‘No Kings’ protest in June
-
DOJ indicts John Bolton over classified files
Speed Read Continuing the trend of going after his political enemies, Trump prosecutes his former national security adviser
-
Trump, Putin set summit as Zelenskyy lands in DC
Speed Read Trump and Putin have agreed to meet in Budapest soon to discuss ending the war in Ukraine
-
Courts deal setbacks to Trump’s Chicago operations
Speed Read President Donald Trump cannot deploy the National Guard in Illinois
-
Pentagon reporters turn in badges after refusing rules
Speed Read They refused to sign a restrictive new press policy imposed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
-
Supreme Court points to gutting Voting Rights Act
speed read States would no longer be required to consider race when drawing congressional maps
-
Trump says he authorized covert CIA ops in Venezuela
Speed Read He is also considering military strikes inside the country
-
‘Vile, racist’ leaked chats roil Young Republicans
Speed Read Leaders of Young Republican groups made racist, antisemitic and violent comments in private chats