Russia’s President Vladimir Putin says during the presidential campaign in the U.S. the use of Russia’s negative image is used to manipulate the public opinion of the electorate.

"As for use of Russia and the Russian president in the U.S. presidential campaign, I would like to hope it is connected with Russia’s growing influence and importance," he told reporters on Sep. 17. "But, I thing, first of all it is related to attempts to manipulate the public opinion inside the country. We can see the attempt to revive the image of the so-called Evil Empire and use it to frighten the society."

First published by TASS

All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.