Trump Cites Putin Comments Backing Him to Claim Political Persecution; GOP Rivals Slam Putin Ties Amid His Domestic Crackdown

Former president Trump pointed to Putin's sympathetic comments to claim political persecution against him in criminal cases in the U.S.
Putin said the cases against Trump show the "rottenness" of the U.S. political system and will benefit Russia.
Republican presidential candidates Pence, Christie, and Hutchinson criticized Putin's remarks and Trump's ties to him.
In Russia, Putin has cracked down on dissent, recently sentencing Navalny to over 30 years in prison.
Putin and Kim Jong Un met and affirmed their commitment to strengthen ties between their countries.

washingtonpost.com

Relevant topic timeline:

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