CNBC: Biden slams Trump over report Russia offered bounties for Afghan militants to kill U.S. soldiers
* “His entire presidency has been a gift to Putin, but this is beyond the pale,” the former vice president and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee said.
* The New York Times reported Friday that the U.S. determined months ago a Russian military intelligence unit offered Taliban-linked militants bounties to kill U.S. and coalition soldiers in Afghanistan.
* Officials developed options from a diplomatic complaint to sanctions, but the White House has not yet authorized a response, the officials told the Times.
Joe Biden has accused Donald Trump of betraying his duty as president, after a report claimed the White House knew for months Russian intelligence offered Afghan militants bounties to kill U.S. soldiers but did not punish Moscow.
“His entire presidency has been a gift to Putin, but this is beyond the pale,” Biden said during a virtual town hall Saturday. “It’s betrayal of the most sacred duty we bear as a nation to protect and equip our troops when we send them into harm’s way. It’s a betrayal of every single American family with a loved one serving in Afghanistan or anywhere overseas.”
The New York Times reported Friday that the U.S. determined months ago a Russian military intelligence unit offered Taliban-linked militants bounties to kill U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan.
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WNU Editor: The White House is denying these reports .... White House Denies Trump Briefed on Russia's 'Bounty' Plan (Bloomberg). More here .... Trump wasn't briefed on report Russia paid Taliban to kill coalition forces in Afghanistan, White House says (USA Today).
Update: The Taliban are also denying these reports .... Taliban deny claims Russia paid militants to attack US troops (Arab News).
Update #2: Russia is also denying reports that it paid militants to kill US troops .... Afghanistan war: Russia denies paying militants to kill US troops (BBC). More here .... ‘Unsophisticated’ disinformation: Moscow rebuffs NYT story alleging Russia offered Taliban money to kill US troops in Afghanistan (RT).
Update #3: What my take? The New York Times report on Russia paying bounties makes no sense. To begin. You do not need to pay the Taliban to motivate them to kill US soldiers. They are doing it for free. And as for the Taliban and Russia working together?!?!?! The Taliban and Russia have a long and bloody history. I have trouble seeing both groups making a decision to now work together. From my vantage point the NYT is making some serious accusations. But the New York Times provides no evidence to their claims. Just an anonymous source? They have to do better than that. And as for former vice-President Biden's remarks in the above video. You tell me.
Joe Biden Responds To Report Of Russian Bounties On U.S. Troops
Biden slams Trump over reported bounties placed on US troops -- AP
Biden criticizes Trump for inaction over reported Russian bounties -- Reuters
Biden accuses Trump of ‘betrayal’ for ignoring intel that Russia put bounty on heads of American soldiers -- New York Daily News
Biden: Trump's entire presidency has been a gift to Putin -- CNN