US Energy Secretary Rick Perry duped into 20 minute phone call with Russian comedians posing as Ukraine's PMVladimir Krasnov and Alexei Stolyarov known for celebrity pranks and once tricked Elton John with Vladimir Putin impersonationTimothy Gardner 8 hours ago
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/rick-perry-prank-phone-call-ukraine-pm-vladimir-krasnov-alexei-stolyarov-coal-exports-a7860236.htmlUS Energy Secretary Rick Perry optimistically discussed expanding American coal exports to Ukraine and other energy matters during a lengthy phone call this month with a Russian prankster who Perry thought was Ukraine's Prime Minister.
Perry actually was talking with comedians known in Russia for targeting celebrities and politicians with audacious stunts, Energy Department spokeswoman Shaylyn Hynes said in a written statement.
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During the 22-minute call on 19 July, Perry, whose department oversees the US nuclear weapons programme, discussed a range of topics in a business-like tone, including sanctions against Russia and helping Ukraine develop oil and gas.
Perry said the Trump administration opposes Nord Stream 2, a Russian project to bring natural gas to Europe across the Baltic and that US technology could help Ukraine develop gas.
“Giving Ukraine more options with some of our technology is, I think, in everyone's best interest with the exception of the Russians, but that's OK,” he said.
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The call, first reported by E&E news, was recorded and posted online.
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http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/rick-perry-prank-phone-call-ukraine-pm-vladimir-krasnov-alexei-stolyarov-coal-exports-a7860236.html