Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that he is supporting Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming U.S. election.
Speaking at an economic forum in the far-eastern city of Vladivostok on Thursday, September 4, Putin said it was the “sacred duty” of the Russian army to do everything to “throw the enemy (Ukraine) out” of the border region of Kursk and protect its citizens after last month’s stunning assault.
Asked about the upcoming U.S. election, Putin said it was ultimately “the choice of the American people” but claimed that Russia backed Harris, the Democratic nominee.
This comes less than 24 hours after the Justice, State and Treasury departments announced sanctions and criminal charges in what the Biden administration said were Russian government-sponsored attempts to manipulate U.S. public opinion ahead of the November vote.
“I told you, our favorite, if I may say so, was the current president, Mr. Biden,” Putin said with a smirk on his face.
“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,” he said, to applause from the audience.
“Secondly, she has such an expressive and infectious laugh that it means she is doing well,” Putin said, speaking of Harris.
“And if she is doing well, then … 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,” he said.
Viewers suggest Putin’s comment was laced with sarcasm.
Former President Donald Trump is widely seen as the Kremlin’s preferred candidate. Trump has often been complimentary of Putin and has promised to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours, raising concerns that he would force Kyiv into a peace agreement on Russia’s terms.
