Trump’s Criticism of Russia Part of Election Campaign – Russian Senior Lawmaker

US Presidential candidate Donald Trump’s criticism of Russia is just a part of the election campaign that is determined by US media context, Konstantin Kosachev, head of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the upper house of the Russian parliament said on Wednesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – He added that it made no sense to respond to each case of criticism toward Russia, pointing out that there are no pro-Russian politicians in the United States.

"All statements of both candidates before elections should be considered as part of the election campaign… They are being made in accordance with the target audience’s expectations," Kosachev told RIA Novosti.

He said that Trump was still an independent politician differing from his opponent Hillary Clinton.

"That means that he would demonstrate readiness to conduct unusual policy towards Russia but will categorically reject any suspicions of [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s influence on him," Kosachev said.

Trump accused Russia at a rally on Tuesday of breaking down the cessation of hostilities deal in Syria brokered with the United States. Trump said President Vladimir Putin "has no respect" for the US leadership as the reason behind the breakdown.

The US presidential election is scheduled to take place on November 8.