AP's Matt Lee Grills State Dept. Spox on Russia/Ukraine: An Accusation Is Not Evidence, "I Remember WMDs In Iraq"

Associated Press reporter Matt Lee and others at Thursday's briefing failed to get evidence for the Biden administration's claim that Russia is planning a <a href="https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2022/02/03/state_department_again_suggests_russia_is_planning_a_flase_flag_event_as_pretext_for_invasion_of_ukraine.html">"false flag"</a> event to justify an invasion of Ukraine, after asking State Department Spokesman Ned Price. Matt Lee asked: "You said 'actions such as these suggest otherwise,' meaning they are not going to go ahead with talks. What actions are you talking about?" "The fact that Russia continues to engage in disinformation," Ned Price said. "You've made an allegation that they might do that. Have they actually done it?" "What we know is what I just said. They've engaged in this activity." "Hold on a second," the reporter said. "What activity? What activity? ... Made what report public?" "We told you a few weeks ago we have information indicating Russia has also already pre-positioned a group of operatives to conduct a false flag operation in Eastern Ukraine. That is an action, to your question Matt." "No, it is an action that you say they have taken, but you have shown no evidence to confirm that. And I'm going to get to the next question, which is: What is the evidence? I mean, this is like -- Crisis actors? Really? This is like Alex Jones territory you're getting into. What evidence do you have to support the idea that there is some propaganda film in the making?" "This is derived from information known to the U.S. government," the State Department spokesman said. "Information that we have declassified." "OK, where is it? Where is this declassified information?" "I just delivered it," Price said. "No," said the reporter. "You made a series of allegations and statements... That's not evidence. That's you saying it. That's not evidence, I'm sorry... I would like to see some proof that you can show that shows that the Russians are doing this... I remember WMDs in Iraq. And I remember you saying that Kabul is not going to fall. I remember a lot of things. Where is the declassified information other than you coming out here and saying it?" "Matt, I'm sorry you don't like the format... I'm sorry you are doubting the information that is in the possession of the U.S. government," Price said. "It's not the format!" After a few more questions, Price eventually said the evidence is derived from "means that, of course, we can't get into."