Putin on Comey’s firing: ‘We have nothing to do with that’

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said Moscow had “nothing to do with” President Trump’s decision to fire FBI Director James Comey, adding that it will have “no effect” on U.S.-Russia relations.

“There will be no effect. Your question looks very funny for me. Don’t be angry with me,” Putin, dressed in full hockey gear, told a CBS News reporter through his translator.

“We have nothing to do with that. President Trump is acting in accordance with his competence and in accordance with his law and Constitution.” 

{mosads}Trump on Wednesday met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Moscow’s ambassador to the U.S., Sergey Kislyak, at the White House.

Trump fired the FBI head on Tuesday, saying it was time for “a new beginning” at the bureau.

“While I greatly appreciate you informing me, on three separate occasions, that I am not under investigation, I nevertheless concur with the judgment of the Department of Justice that you are not able to lead the bureau,” Trump said to Comey in a letter.

Comey had been leading the FBI’s investigation into any possible ties between members of Trump’s presidential campaign and Russia.

The former FBI director reportedly asked for additional funding for the probe from the Justice Department just days before his firing. A spokesperson for the Justice Department, however, denied those reports.

Following Comey’s dismissal, White House deputy press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said there is no connection between the Russia investigation and Comey’s firing.