VLADIVOSTOK, Russia — In a recent comment that seemed to blend irony with genuine sentiment, President Vladimir Putin expressed a preference for Kamala Harris in the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Speaking on September 5 at an economic forum in Russia’s far east, Putin cited Harris’s “infectious” laugh as a reason for his support, contrasting her with former President Donald Trump.
This remark came shortly after the U.S. Justice Department charged two Russian media executives with an alleged illegal scheme to influence the November election through pro-Russian propaganda. Earlier in 2024, before U.S. President Joe Biden exited the race, Putin had expressed a preference for Biden over Trump, describing Biden as a more predictable, “old school” politician.
Putin’s latest comments were part of a broader discussion about the U.S. election, where he stated that the choice should be left to the American people. However, he humorously aligned himself with Biden’s recommendation to support Harris, suggesting that her positive demeanor might indicate a potential reduction in sanctions against Russia.
Despite U.S. intelligence agencies’ belief that Russia favors Trump due to his less committed stance on supporting Ukraine, Putin noted that Trump had actually implemented more sanctions against Russia than his predecessors. This adds a layer of complexity to the Kremlin’s public stance on the U.S. election, blending diplomatic posturing with an undercurrent of irony.