Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that he wants Vice President Kamala Harris to win the U.S. presidential election in November — not former President Trump.
Putin’s comments came less than 24 hours after Justice Department officials accused Russia of taking part in an illicit scheme to influence the election with pro-Russian propaganda.
Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, Putin reiterated his previous remarks that President Biden had been Russia’s preferred candidate in the race.
Since Biden recommended his supporters back Harris, Russia would do the same, Putin said, Russian state news agency TASS reported.
“Ultimately, the choice is up to the American people, and we will respect that choice,” he added.
A Kremlin spokesperson had said in an interview that aired last weekend that Russia preferred Harris over Trump because she was a more predictable opponent, Reuters reported.
Putin also joked that Harris “laughs so expressively and infectiously” and that perhaps this indication of her good humor would mean she wouldn’t impose sanctions on Russia, per TASS.