Putin says allegations against Trump are 'completely fabricated'

Putin stated that he believes the US Senate is unlikely to remove Trump from office

By REUTERS
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russia's President Vladimir Putin shake hands as they meet in Helsinki, Finland July 16, 2018 (photo credit: REUTERS/KEVIN LAMARQUE)
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russia's President Vladimir Putin shake hands as they meet in Helsinki, Finland July 16, 2018
(photo credit: REUTERS/KEVIN LAMARQUE)
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he expects his US counterpart Donald Trump's to remain in office despite the House of Representatives voting to impeach Trump on Wednesday.
"You phrase your question as if Trump's presidency is coming to an end. I am not sure that's the case," said Putin at an annual end-of-year news conference. "(The impeachment bill) still needs to go through the Senate where Republicans as far as I know have a majority. It's unlikely they will want to remove from power a representative of their party based on what are, in my opinion, completely fabricated reasons."
Putin said the allegations against Trump are "dreamt up" and that he believes the US Senate is unlikely to remove Trump from office.
Putin added that Russia is ready to agree on a new START arms treaty with the United States, but that there has been no response to Russian proposals.