US tensions with Russia are on the rise over accusations of vote meddling. On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the Bush administration of trying to taint parliamentary elections set for next week. Putin says the US influenced European monitors to cancel plans to observe the vote.

Russian President Vladimir Putin: “We have information that, once again, this was done on the recommendation of the US State Department. We, of course, will take this into account in our inter-state dealings. This is for sure. Actions such as these cannot wreck the elections in Russia. Their aim is to deprive the elections of legitimacy. That is absolutely clear. But they are not going to achieve that.”

The State Department has denied Putin’s charges. Putin’s comments follow a weekend of protests to his government in several Russia cities. Hundreds of people were arrested.