Russian Parliamentary Candidate to Former Russian PM: You Represent U.S. Interests

During a pre-elections TV debate, Igor Korotchenko, a candidate for the nationalist Rodina (Homeland) Party, presented former Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov with a U.S. flag, accusing him of defending American interests. The debate aired on Russia's Channel 1 on September 5.

Following are excerpts

Igor Korotchenko: I am Igor Korotchenko. I am a reserves colonel. I have received an honorary award of a personal weapon. I have 12 medals of honor, including a medal for Crimea and Syria. Let me address Mr. Kasyanov. Mr. Kasyanov, you have come to a debate, but you are lacking a flag of the country whose interests you defend. I beg you - take this flag of the country whose interests you defend. Here is a flag of the United States of America. Put it on your podium, because you are defending their interests...

Mikhail Kasyanov: You are a liar and a provocateur.

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