A Donald Trump campaign surrogate argued on CNN Sunday night that Russia did not seize Crimea from Ukraine, despite the fact that Russia recently seized Crimea from Ukraine.
“Again, Russia did not seize Crimea,” GOP consultant Boris Epshteyn argued. “We could talk about the conflict that happened between the Ukraine and Crimea, it’s an ongoing conflict, but there was no seizure by Russia. That is an incorrect statement, characterization of what happened.”
Here’s the video of an official Trump campaign surrogate saying, “Russia did not seize Crimea.” https://t.co/MDNXfVYvMb (Starts around 4:30)
— Ryan Lizza (@RyanLizza) July 31, 2016
The New Yorker‘s Ryan Lizza immediately jumped on that comment, but was cut off by host Poppy Harlow so every guest could speak before the segment ended. Undeterred, he took up the challenge on Twitter.
Exact quote from Trump campaign surrogate on CNN a few minute ago: “Russia did not seize Crimea.” Literally Putin’s propaganda.
— Ryan Lizza (@RyanLizza) July 31, 2016
Trump surrogate @BorisEP, according to his Politico bio, emigrated to US from Moscow. So I don’t think he can claim ignorance of the region.
— Ryan Lizza (@RyanLizza) July 31, 2016
Epshteyn defended himself on Twitter as Lizza hit back.
.@RyanLizza definitely not ignorant on the region, thanks. It’s a very complicated situation as @realDonaldTrump said today. US has not led.
— Boris Epshteyn (@BorisEP) July 31, 2016
It’s not THAT complicated. You said, “Russia did not seize Crimea.” Nobody but Putin believes that. https://t.co/FcYfN3VpaJ
— Ryan Lizza (@RyanLizza) August 1, 2016
Watch above, via CNN.
[Image via screengrab]
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