Putin claims he wants Harris to win US election

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Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprising remark during the Eastern Economic Forum, claiming that Kamala Harris, the U.S. Vice President and a potential 2024 Democratic candidate, is Russia’s preferred choice in the upcoming U.S. presidential election. He cited her "infectious" laugh as a reason for his endorsement, though the comment appeared to be delivered with irony.

Putin’s statement is likely not genuine, given his historically warm relationship with Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, whose election could lead to reductions in U.S. aid to Ukraine—aligning more with Russia's interests.

In the past, Putin has described Joe Biden, the current U.S. president, as a more predictable politician, a sentiment which has shaped Russia's cautious approach to U.S. politics.

Putin's comments followed a series of U.S. actions against Russia, including the seizure of Kremlin-run websites and sanctions aimed at countering Russian disinformation efforts. His speech also criticized France's arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov and dismissed recent Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s Kursk region.

While Putin's remarks about Harris were seemingly tongue-in-cheek, they reflect the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Russia, particularly around the issue of sanctions and the war in Ukraine.