The Kremlin has refused to comment on the reports, with Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, reminding state media that “Vladimir and Lydmilla are divorced” and that “consequently, I am not in a position to say anything about Lydmilla or her personal life”.
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The BBC report said Szubin declined to comment on a 2007 Central Intelligence Agency report that estimated Putin’s wealth at $40 billion, but he said the Russian leader’s stated wealth is an underestimation. He also said that Putin was aware of these statements and considered them inappropriate and unacceptable.
The statement was later backed by White House spokesman Josh Earnest, who stated that these claims reflect the view of the United States presidential administration. The Kremlin later described the remarks as an “official accusation”.
Relations between the United States and Russian Federation are at their lowest point since the end of the Cold War, largely due to the crisis in eastern Ukraine and Russia’s air campaign in Syria. “But this doesn’t mean the president has made any sort of decision”, Peskov told journalists.
In a sign that the allegations could further damage ties between the two countries, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov raised the issue with his counterpart John Kerry in a phone call Friday.
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“In general, we see that overseas they have started preparing for Russia’s presidential election which is still more than two years away”, Peskov said. “It’s clear that negativity is being collected in regard to the head of our state, and of course this is used to apply pressure and influence on the future election campaign”, Peskov added.
