Defense Secretary James Mattis called out Russia for "mucking around" in other nations' elections, declaring that Moscow is acting like a "strategic competitor."

"Russia's violations of international law are now a matter of record," he said, also referring to the annexation of Crimea.

Speaking alongside British Defense Minister Michael Fallon, Mattis emphasized that "NATO stands united" and that Article 5 stands as the "absolute bedrock" of the alliance.

He also spoke about suspicions by the U.S. military that Russia is supporting the Taliban in Afghanistan. Mattis said he's not ready yet to accuse the Kremlin of providing weapons to the terror group.

"Certainly what they're up to there, in light of their other activities, gives us concern," he said.

Earlier today, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said U.S.-Russia relation are "maybe even worse" than the Cold War.

Peskov said the allegations of Russian meddling in the election are "fake news" and "slander."

"It has no evidence at all," he said.

Watch the report from Lea Gabrielle above.

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