MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said he supported Kamala Harris in the upcoming US presidential election 2024, a day after Washington accused Moscow of seeking to influence the election.
Putin often comments on social and political issues in the United States, often with sarcasm. He made the comments during a question-and-answer session at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.
Just a day prior, the United States had indicted two employees of RT, a state-run Russian news network, and imposed sanctions on its top editors. The US government alleges that these individuals were involved in efforts to influence the upcoming US election.
“Firstly, (US President Joe) Biden recommended all his supporters support Kamala Harris,” Putin said, referencing the current president’s endorsement of his vice president. “Here, we are going to do that too, we’re going to support her,” he added, with a noticeably wry smile.
The Russian leader’s comments extended to a light-hearted critique of US politics. “She laughs so contagiously that it shows that everything is fine with her,” Putin remarked. He said last year that the US political system was “rotten” and that Washington could not lecture other countries about democracy.
Putin also reflected on his previous stance regarding US presidential candidates. Last February, he had voiced support for Joe Biden over Donald Trump, describing Biden as more “predictable.” The White House called on Putin to “stay out” of US elections.
His comments suggest a strategic nod to Harris, possibly in response to Trump’s extensive sanctions against Russia during his presidency. “(Former US President Donald) Trump has imposed as many sanctions on Russia as any president has ever imposed before, and if Harris is doing well, perhaps she will refrain from such actions.”
“If Harris is doing well, perhaps she will refrain from such actions,” Putin said.
