U.S. presidential candidate Bernie Sanders accused Russia of attempts to help his campaign.

Speaking in California, Sanders called Russia to stay out of American elections, but admitted it was not clear how Russia intended to interfere, BBC reported..

The candidate said the Russians want to undermine American democracy and called Russian President Vladimir Putin an “autocratic thug”.

Earlier The Washington Post the U.S. President and American lawmakers were informed about Russia's attempts to help Sanders' campaign.