Russia hacked ‘every day’ from US territory, Kremlin says

Program note:CNN’s “Declassified” reveals the story of Russia’s secret network of deep-cover spies living in the United States on Saturday July 22, at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

On the day the US awaited the testimony of former FBI chief James Comey on the Russian election hacking saga, Moscow said it had observed hacking attempts launched against it from US territory “every day.”

Speaking Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused to be drawn on whether the alleged hacks were the work of government or non-government actors.

“Hacking attacks that are being carried out from the territory of the United States are recorded every day. Including attacks on the president’s website. It’s true,” Peskov told reporters.

Read: Comey just went nuclear

Asked if his information indicated the attacks were carried out by intelligence agencies or unaffiliated hackers, Peskov said, “I wouldn’t like to amuse the public by saying that official Washington is behind it. A hacking attack carried out from the territory of some country cannot mean that the authorities have anything to do with it.”

Five things to watch: The Comey hearing

State Department Spokesman Heather Nauert said the Russian claim “does not surprise me” and dismissed it as “propaganda.” Messages left with the National Security Agency and White House were not immediately returned Thursday.

Comey

Peskov’s statement comes hours before Comey appeared before the Senate intelligence committee in one of the most eagerly awaited hearings in decades.

He followed through on expectations that he would publicly contradict aspects of US President Donald Trump’s accounts of their private conversations, characterizing some of the president’s comments as lies.

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Updated 9:24 AM EDT, Tue July 18, 2017

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US officials: Russia behind Qatar crisis

02:25 - Source: CNN

His testimony represented a pivotal moment in the saga of Russian election hacking and alleged collusion by Trump aides that has cast a dark shadow over the opening months of the new administration.

Comey faced questions about whether Trump abused his power in demanding loyalty from the former FBI chief. He was also grilled on claims the President obstructed justice by asking him to shut down part of the bureau’s Russia probe.

Read: James Comey claims his moment at hearing

But while the US appears to be gripped by the case, Peskov insisted Moscow will not be paying much attention to the hearing in Washington.

“We are much more interested in the summit of the state leaders of Shanghai Cooperation Organization which takes place in Astana today and tomorrow,” Peskov added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is attending the Astana meeting.

CNN’s Zachary Cohen and Nicole Gaouette contributed to this report. Tim Lister reported from Moscow. James Masters wrote from London.