Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-3) released the following statement today after President Donald Trump visited with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the U.S.-Russia summit in Helsinki:

“Maintaining an open dialogue with world leaders is central to the president’s job in protecting American interests. However, in this case, it is critical to not lose sight of Russia’s abysmal history of human rights abuse, military aggression, and violent intimidation of its ideological adversaries.”

“Let’s be clear. Under former KGB agent Putin, Russian entities have meddled in western democracies in order to destabilize and manipulate political outcomes. In light of this, President Trump should be forthright and unwavering in denouncing Russia’s efforts to influence the American election process.”