Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, on Sunday urged President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden on Trump's refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power: 'What country are we in?' Romney: 'Unthinkable and unacceptable' to not commit to peaceful transition of power Two Louisville police officers shot amid Breonna Taylor grand jury protests MORE and other world leaders to "reject" Russian President Vladimir Putin's efforts to spread disinformation about his critics.

McFaul was in the headlines last week after Putin suggested during a meeting with Trump that he'd allow U.S. officials to observe questioning of Russians indicted in the special counsel's probe if, in return, Russian authorities could question McFaul and other Americans who allegedly committed crimes in Russia.

"Of course I broke no Russian law," McFaul tweeted Sunday. "But Putin uses disinformation & the law to silence his critics or chase them out of the country as you know well. Time for the rest of the world, including the President of the United States, to understand Putins tactics & reject them."

Exactly. Of course I broke no Russian law. But Putin uses disinformation & the law to silence his critics or chase them out of the country as you know well. Time for the rest of the world, including the President of the United States, to understand Putins tactics & reject them https://t.co/3eJsSY2wqb — Michael McFaul (@McFaul) July 22, 2018

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Trump initially appeared receptive to Putin's offer, calling it an "incredible offer" at last Monday's press conference. The White House went on to say the president was discussing the possibility with his team.

The comments prompted widespread backlash from Republicans, Democrats and former diplomats who expressed surprise that the White House would even consider the proposal. The Senate unanimously passed a resolution warning Trump against turning over former diplomats and officials for questioning.

On Thursday, the White House issued a statement saying Trump "disagrees" with Putin's offer.

The two leaders are expected to meet this fall in Washington, D.C.

Trump endured a week of harsh criticism from Republicans and Democrats alike for his performance in Finland with Putin, and for the statements that followed in which the president seemingly continued to embrace Russia and reject the U.S. intelligence community.