Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday appeared to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race against former President Donald Trump.
His remark came just hours after the Biden administration accused Moscow of a widespread, sophisticated election interference campaign on Wednesday.
U.S. intelligence agencies believe Putin is hoping for Trump to take the White House in November, given his skepticism over U.S. funding of Ukraine’s war machine.
According to multiple reports, Putin was questioned during the Eastern Economic Forum he attended in eastern Russia over how he viewed the upcoming U.S. election.
The Russian president, apparently smiling alongside the event’s moderator, said ultimately it was up to the American people to decide but said that as President Biden has backed Harris, “we will do the same, we will support her.”
“She laughs so expressively and infectiously that it means that everything is fine with her,” he added.
Earlier this year, Putin threw his support behind Biden before he dropped out of the race, claiming he preferred Biden to Trump as he is a more predictable candidate.
According to former DIA intelligence officer and author of “Putin’s Playbook,” Rebekah Koffler, “The Russians don’t really endorse anyone, in the traditional sense.
Donald Trump played up Russian President Vladimir Putin jokingly endorsing his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, during a campaign stop on Thursday.
“I don’t know if I’m insulted or he did me a favor,” Trump said of Putin while outlining economic proposals to a group of New York City and Wall Street officials.
Of course Putin wants Biden/Kamala.
It means a weaker America, and a weaker West.
He even laughs about it. pic.twitter.com/vkCFK3u2r6
— Raheem. (@RaheemKassam) September 5, 2024
