Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his backing for President Joe Biden but humorously extended his support to Kamala Harris, following Biden’s lead.
“I told you, our favorite, if I may say so, was the current president, Mr. Biden. He was removed from the race, but he advised all his supporters to support Ms. Harris. So we will do it as well. We will root for her,” Putin stated, sparking laughter and applause from the audience.
He added playfully, “Secondly, she has such an expressive and infectious laugh that it means she is doing well,” flashing a smirk.
Putin also took a swipe at former President Donald Trump, recalling how Trump “introduced so many restrictions and sanctions against Russia, like no other president had ever introduced before him. And if Ms. Harris is doing well, perhaps she will refrain from doing anything like that.”
In closing, Putin emphasized that “the choice is up to the American people, and we will respect that choice,” though his remarks seemed largely tongue-in-cheek, causing the crowd and interviewer to laugh.
Previously, Putin expressed his preference for Biden over Trump, citing Biden’s predictability. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov echoed this sentiment last week, saying, “Democrats are more predictable,” and extending this label to Harris as well.
Putin’s comments followed U.S. accusations of Russia orchestrating an election interference campaign, including paying $10 million to a conservative media organization. In response, the Russia-affiliated RaHDit hacker group mockingly pledged support for Harris if the money were donated to charity, stating, “We promise to provide you with a full report of the intervention, especially since our president has indicated that we need to support Kamala Harris!”
