Commenting over the US presidential candidates, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said he prefers Democratic candidate Kamala Harris over Donald Trump because of her “infectious laugh.”

Kamala Harris became the Democratic candidate after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race due to age-related constraints. Notably, before Biden’s withdrawal, Putin had earlier suggested that he backs him over Trump, noting the former as ‘more predictable’ figure.

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Putin’s latest remark on Harris comes a day after the US Justice Department charged two Russian media executives over an alleged attempt to influence the US general election scheduled for November this year. 

However, Washington intelligence believes that Russia wants the former president and Republican candidate to win the US election, because if elected, he would presumably refrain from financially and militarily supporting Kyiv during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

When asked about Biden supporting Harris, Putin said, “We will do the same; we will support her” while making a teasing gesture with a wry smile. Putin also added that Harris laughs so expressively and infectiously that it means that “everything is fine with her.”

Notably, the US had accused Russia of influencing the previous US elections, including the 2016 and 2020, both allegedly favouring Donald Trump. The Kremlin, however, repeatedly denied the meddling claims in the US elections.

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Regarding his support for Harris, Putin said that she might refrain from imposing further sanctions against Russia, adding that it was during Trump’s regime as president that the US introduced more sanctions against Moscow. Putin concluded his remarks about the US election, saying that ultimately the choice is up to the American people.

The US had earlier claimed Iranian interference in the presidential election, and the country’s intelligence is actively working to detect meddling attempts by external forces.

Vladimir Putin says he supports Kamala Harris for President of the United States, but emphasizes it’s up to the American people. pic.twitter.com/d0y08Doqsj

— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) September 5, 2024