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Kremlin Says Trump's Election Campaign Ad Demonizes Russia


U.S. businessman-cum-politician Donald Trump (file photo)
U.S. businessman-cum-politician Donald Trump (file photo)

The Kremlin has criticized a video issued by U.S. Republican frontrunner Donald Trump's presidential campaign, complaining that it demonizes Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters on March 17 that "our attitude about it is negative."

"It's an open secret for us that demonizing Russia and whatever is linked to Russia is unfortunately a mandatory hallmark of America's election campaign," Peskov said. "We would like election processes to proceed without such allusions to our country."

The video, released on March 16, shows Putin throwing an opponent in a judo bout and then cuts to an image of what looks like an Islamic State militant.

Then comes footage of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton barking like a dog -- apparently from an appearance in which she criticized Republicans -- followed by footage of Putin laughing.

The ad attempts to cast doubt over Clinton's ability to deal with what it calls Washington's "toughest opponents."

Based on reporting by TASS, Interfax, and Reuters

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