While calling prostitution a “horrible social phenomenon,” Mr. Putin also boasted about Russian exceptionalism, adding: “Even though they are undoubtedly the best in the world, too. Vladimir Zhirinovsky, leader of the Liberal Democratic Party and an outspoken ally of Mr. Putin, called Friday a historic day. Mr. Trump has called the accusations false. Russia had no reason to pursue Mr. Trump when he visited Moscow, Mr. Putin said. Mr. Putin called the memo sign of a crumbling West.

Source: International New York Times January 17, 2017 19:18 UTC