VLAD’S VENDETTA

Putin ‘ordered’ US election hacking to boost Donald Trump’s chances, intelligence report finds

The report warned Moscow will try to influence the elections of US allies

VLADIMIR Putin "ordered" a campaign of hacking to influence the US presidential election and boost Donald Trump's chances, a US intelligence report has found.

It also warned Moscow will try to manipulate the elections of US allies over the coming months.

Advertisement
Putin "ordered" a campaign of hacking to influence the US presidential election, a US intelligence report has foundCredit: AP:Associated Press

A declassified version was released today after Trump and top lawmakers were briefed from the full report.

Intelligence officials stated Russia directed the "hacking and media manipulation" to undermine Hillary Clinton after Putin developed a "preference" for Trump.

The report found the Putin had a "preference" for Trump (pictured)Credit: Getty Images

"We assess Russian President Putin ordered an influence campaign in 2016 aimed at the US presidential election," said the report from the Director of National Intelligence.

"Russia's goals were to undermine public faith in the US democratic process, denigrate Secretary Clinton, and harm her electability and potential presidency.

Advertisement

RELATED STORIES

VLAD'S ARMY
Putin's brutal marines batter each other with burning wooden planks and smash bottles and BRICKS over their heads in combat training
FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE
Why does Putin like Trump, and will US-Russia relations get better or worse under the new President?
RUSSIAN TO WAR
US sends special forces to Russian border as Nato is poised to strike back against Putin's 'aggression'
COLD WAR HEATS UP
Obama kicks out 35 Russian spies and shuts down two of Moscow's 'compounds' over election hack row

"We further assess Putin and the Russian Government developed a clear preference for President-elect Trump."

The report, which was commissioned by President Barack Obama, stated that Russia wanted to help Trump's chances by discrediting Clinton.

The report stated that Russia wanted to help Trump's chances by discrediting ClintonCredit: Getty Images

It said Moscow used a variety of tactics in a bid to sway the outcome.

Advertisement
"Moscow's influence campaign followed a Russian messaging strategy that blends covert intelligence operations - such as cyberactivity - with overt efforts by Russian government agencies, state-funded media, third-party intermediaries and paid social media users or 'trolls'," the report found.
Trump has repeatedly dismissed the US intelligence community's conclusions that Russia was responsible for the hacking - or that it aimed to help his campaign.
Trump was briefed on the report and while he said he had "a constructive meeting," he declined to agree with their conclusions.

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368

 

machibet777.com