Crossword Genius

America repeated claims about Russia's leader: they generate much interest (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

usurers

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'generate much interest' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'america repeated claims about russia's leader they' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'america' could be 'us' (United States) and 'us' is present in the answer.
'about' could be 're' (regarding) and 're' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'urs' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for usurers that I've seen before include "Biblical bankers who overcharged" , "They charge excessive interest" , "Loan sharks" , "They lends money at excessive rates of interest" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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