Russian President Vladimir Putin joked on Thursday that he would support VP Harris in the next election, citing her “contagious” laugh and her potential to change U.S. sanctions against Russia.
Earlier this year, before Biden dropped out of the race, Putin said he preferred Biden to former President Trump because he was a “more predictable” candidate.
The Russian leader on Thursday Economic Forum“Now that Biden has endorsed his vice president, we're going to support her as well,” he said, as the audience erupted in applause.
“She laughs expressively and convincingly, so that means all is well with her,” he said lightheartedly at the event in Vladivostok, Russia.
Putin went on to say Biden has imposed “a whole lot” of sanctions on Russia amid the ongoing war with Ukraine, and suggested Harris could modify or lift them if elected in November.
“So ultimately it will be the choice of the American people and we will respect that choice,” he said.
Asked whether he would call to congratulate either Trump or Harris on their victory in November's election, Putin said it had been a long time since he had spoken to US and European leaders, but that the lines of communication were open.
“We are not opposed to or restricting any communication,” he added.
U.S. intelligence agencies have determined that Russia waged a disinformation campaign in 2016 to favor Trump over former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Putin has denied interfering in the campaign. Reuters.
“It is not for us to decide these elections,” the Russian president said on Thursday. [for] The American people.”
The Hill has reached out to the Harris and Trump campaigns for comment.
