Few countries are truly sovereign, and Russia is a target of systematic US interference, says Putin

Russia President Vladimir Putin on Friday accused the United States of having engaged in "crude and systematic interference" in Russian affairs for many years.

Russia's long-time premier argued that "worldwide there are not so many countries that have the privilege of sovereignty."

Putin cited India and China, alongside his own country, as nations that had been able to maintain their national sovereignty.

U.S. intelligence agencies believe Russia undermined the U.S. election to help President Donald Trump to victory.

When asked about such reports at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin rejected such allegations as "hysteria."

Watch: Putin claims no evidence Russia interfered in US election