Russian president Vladimir Putin claims he “didn’t really even talk” to Michael Flynn at the infamous dinner they shared in Russia where Flynn was paid $45,000 to speak.
In a widely circulated photo, former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn is seen seated at the same table as Putin at a gala for Russia Today in Moscow. Flynn, who was already advising the Trump campaign at the time, was paid $45,000 to speak at the event.
However, Putin told NBC News’ Megyn Kelly that he doesn’t have a very close relationship with Flynn.
“You and I personally have a much closer relationship than I had with Mr. Flynn,” he claimed. “You and I met yesterday evening. You and I have been working together all day today and now are meeting again.”
“When I came to the event for our company, Russia Today and sat down at the table, next to me there was a gentleman sitting on one side,” he recalled.
“I made my speech, and then we talked about some other stuff, and then I got up and left,” Putin said of the dinner. “That’s it. I didn’t even really talk to him. That’s the extent of my acquaintance with Mr. Flynn.”
He closed out his response with a deep-throated laugh.
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