McCain: Trump should remember Putin is 'a murderer'

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) released a statement today in advance of President Trump's phone call tomorrow with Russian President Vladimir Putin, cautioning Trump to "remember that the man on the other end of the line is a murderer and a thug who seeks to undermine American national security interests at every turn."

McCain, pointing out that the call takes place amid reports the White House is considering lifting sanctions against Russia, said he hoped such speculation was misplaced.

"I hope President Trump will put an end to this speculation and reject such a reckless course," McCain said. "If he does not, I will work with my colleagues to codify sanctions against Russia into law."

McCain noted that in the "most flagrant demonstration of Putin's disdain and disrespect for our nation, Russia deliberately interfered in our recent election with cyberattacks and a disinformation campaign designed to weaken America and discredit Western values."

McCain also castigated Russia for its role in Ukraine and Syria.

"In just the last three years under Vladimir Putin, Russia has invaded Ukraine, annexed Crimea, threatened NATO allies, and intervened militarily in Syria, leaving a trail of death, destruction, and broken promises in his wake," he said.

Trump, meanwhile, in a Jan. 11 press conference, said he views Putin's support "as an asset, not a liability."

"Russia can help us fight" the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, he continued. "I don't know that I'm gonna get along with Vladimir Putin. I hope I do. But there's a good chance I won't."

Defense Secretary James Mattis said during his Senate confirmation hearing that Russia remained a threat to the United States and NATO.

"Since Yalta, we have a long list of times we've tried to engage positively with Russia," he said. "We have a relatively short list of successes in that regard," Mattis said, referring to the Yalta conference at the close of World War II. "The most important thing is that we recognize the reality of what we deal with Mr. Putin and we recognize that he is trying to break the North Atlantic alliance, and that we take the steps . . . to defend ourselves where we must."