Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Sunday suggested that in order to deter further electoral meddling, Russia “needs to confront” its own interference in the 2016 U.S. election as well as upcoming elections in Europe.
“This is something that Russia needs to confront themselves and I think examine carefully as to how this is helping them achieve their longer-term objectives,” Tillerson said on ABC’s “This Week.”
He said the U.S. will “continue to talk with” Russian officials “about how this undermines any hope of improving relations not just with the United States,” but appeared to suggest that self-reflection will be a stronger deterrent than external pressure.
“It’s pretty evident that they are taking similar tactics into electoral processes throughout Europe and so they’re really undermining any hope for improved relations with many European countries as well,” Tillerson said.
Tillerson: Electoral interference “something Russian needs to confront themselves”; hurting improved relations with US, Europe. #ThisWeek pic.twitter.com/s1C3rk3zcn
— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) April 9, 2017
