The report, released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, blasted democratic processes in Russia and the current situation with non-governmental organizations in the country.
"The report contains a direct indication that the United States intends to finance projects within the framework of the forthcoming State Duma and presidential election campaigns," said Konstantin Kosachev, the head of the International Affairs Committee in the lower house of the Russian parliament.
The Russian government has faced criticism from Western leaders for restrictions imposed on rights groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in the country, and the issue is often cited as an example of Russia's alleged backsliding on democracy.
The State Department report said in particular that: "With U.S. support, NGOs continued to monitor the work of deputies in regional legislatures, encouraging interaction between constituents and their elected officials and promoting good governance. Sixteen U.S.-supported coalitions of business associations united more than 170 associations nationwide; these groups won at least 30 legislative changes in various regions of the country. The ambassador met with the head of the Central Election Commission and with political party leaders, including opposition leaders, throughout the year to emphasize the need for transparent and fair elections."
"Although the State Department report seems to deal with another topic, it nevertheless contains an acknowledgment that such facts have been, still exist and are planned in the future," Kosachev said. "That is obvious interference in the internal political life and sovereign affairs of another country, which we cannot accept under any circumstances."
The report also expressed the necessity to assist democracy in Russia, stating in particular that "Continuing centralization of power in the executive branch, a compliant State Duma, political pressure on the judiciary, corruption and selectivity in enforcement of the law, continuing media restrictions and self-censorship, and government pressure on opposition political parties eroded the public accountability of government leaders."
