US, Russia possibly interfering in the elections, supporting Bernie Sanders

US officials reportedly told Senator Bernie Sanders that Russia is attempting to help his presidential campaign.

The story, first reported by The Washington Post, revealed US intelligence officials briefing Trump and lawmakers on Capitol Hill, warning of Russia attempting to help Sanders.

In a statement responding to the report, Sanders disavowed any alleged assistance from Russia President Vladimir Putin, saying “I don’t care, frankly, who Putin wants to be president. My message to Putin is clear: stay out of American elections, and as president I will make sure that you do”.

However, Sanders acknowledged he was briefed "about a month ago" on Russia's efforts, telling reporters Friday that he was "told Russia and other countries" were interfering in the elections. "It was not clear what role they were going to play," he explained. "We were told that Russia and maybe other countries were going to get involved in this campaign."

When asked why this news was just coming out after he was briefed a month ago, Sanders said, "I'll let you guess, one day before the Nevada caucus. Why do you think it came out? It was the Washington Post? Good friends," he said with a wink. 

Trump mentioned the Russia involvement at a rally in Las Vegas Friday, casting doubt on the findings of the intelligence community saying it was a Democratic-led effort to hurt him. He also mentioned Sanders specifically. "I was told that was happening, I was told a week ago. They said, you know, they're trying to start a rumor. It's disinformation. That's the only thing they're good at, they're not good at anything else, they get nothing done. Do-nothing Democrats," Trump said.

So far, if the allegations are true, it is not clear what form the Russian assistance has taken.

SOURCE (REUTERS, USA TODAY)