On the day the US awaits 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. »
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
Messages left with the National Security Agency and White House were not immediately returned Thursday.
Comey
Peskov’s statement comes hours before Comey appears before the Senate intelligence committee at 10 a.m. ET in one of the most eagerly awaited hearings in decades.
He is expected to publicly contradict aspects of US President Donald Trump’s accounts of their private conversations.
His testimony represents 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 will face questions about whether Trump abused his power in demanding loyalty from the former FBI chief. He will also be 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 insists 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.
