refute

　米国防長官は、ロシアが反政府武装勢力のタリバンに軍事支援を行っているという報告を受け、ロシアをけん制しました。
Russia may be aiding Taliban, US general in Afghanistan says

Russia is believed to be the source of an influx of weapons to the Taliban in Afghanistan, General John Nicholson, the commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, said in a press conference on Monday.

Secretary of Defense James Mattis, who appeared with Nicholson at Resolute Support headquarters, said the U.S. would have to "confront Russia" over "denying the sovereignty of other countries," including Afghanistan.

"For example, any weapons being funneled here from a foreign country would be a violation of international law," said Mattis.

Asked if he would refute claims that Russia is providing weapons to the Taliban, Nicholson answered definitively.

"Oh no, I’m not refuting that," the general said.

Nicholson said the U.S. has continued to receive reports of Russian assistance to the Taliban.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/russia-aiding-taliban-us-general-afghanistan/story?id=46989830

　記事の中で気になった単語は、"refute"です。『ジーニアス英和辞典』第４版（大修館）で確認してみると、「（人、物、事）が（人、主張など）の間違い（真実でないこと）を証明する、…を論破する」や「（人の発言など）を否定する」と載っています。
　これは、"refuse"「断る、拒否する」と関連付けて覚えられると思います。
　LDOCEでは、"to prove that a statement or idea is not correct"や"to say that a statement is wrong or unfair"と表現されています。(Akim)