Sec. Mike Pompeo: "There is a narrative that has developed that somehow President Trump is somehow weak on Russia, when in fact the converse is true." https://t.co/rEYzWgblrv pic.twitter.com/ci14AaH1Xs — ABC News (@ABC) July 25, 2018

During a contentious grilling on Capitol Hill on Monday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo defended President Donald Trump against accusations that he has been weak on Russia.

Pompeo’s remarks came during a question on agreements made with Russia over Ukraine.

“No, senator,” Pompeo said. He added, “The U.S. policy hasn’t changed.”

The Secretary of State then offered to drag out the quotes from lawmakers expressing concern Trump would “make a change in position” on this, saying, “It is a policy the previous administration refused to undertake.”

Pompeo said that this comparison and distinction was important because “there is a narrative that has developed that somehow President Trump is somehow weak on Russia, when in fact the converse is true.”

The Secretary of State said in a statement earlier today the U.S. will not recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

Watch above, via ABC.

[image via screengrab]

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