Russia: We talked with Trump’s team during campaign

Russia says it kept in touch with Donald Trump’s presidential campaign before the Republican nominee’s White House win.

“There were contacts,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told the Interfax news service Thursday, according to multiple reports.

“Obviously, we know most of the people from his entourage,” Rybakov said.

“Those people have always been in the limelight in the United States and have occupied high-ranking positions. I cannot say that all of them but quite a few have been staying in touch with Russian representatives.”

{mosads}“We continue this work of course,” he added, without providing further details of the “contacts” between Russia and Trump’s staff.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Bloomberg that Russian Embassy staff met with Trump’s campaign, calling it “normal practice.”

Zakharova added that Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton refused similar requests for discussions.

The former secretary of State repeatedly accused Trump of having too warm a relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the 2016 race.

Trump countered that Putin does not respect Clinton and that improved U.S.-Russia ties would benefit both nations.

Putin on Wednesday congratulated Trump on his victory, reiterating hopes that Washington and Moscow can cooperate during the president-elect’s future administration.

Trump won a shocking victory over Clinton Tuesday despite trailing her by around 3 points in national polling averages ahead of Election Day.

Clinton formally conceded Wednesday, arguing voters owe Trump “an open mind and a chance to lead” after their at-times fierce rivalry.