Russian President Vladimir Putin joked on Thursday that he would support Vice President Harris in the upcoming election, citing her “infectious” laugh and potential to change U.S. sanctions against Russia.
Earlier this year, before Biden withdrew from the race, Putin said he favored Biden because he was a “more predictable” candidate than former President Trump.
The Russian leader told an economic forum on Thursday that since Biden had supported the vice president, “we will do the same and support her.” The audience applauded his remarks.
“She has such an expressive and infectious laugh, it means everything is fine with her,” he said casually at an event in Vladivostok, Russia.
Putin went on to say Biden had imposed “a lot” of sanctions on Russia over its war with Ukraine, and hinted that Harris could change 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.
Putin was asked if he would call Trump or Harris to congratulate them on their victory in November. He said it had been a long time since he had spoken to leaders in the United States or Europe, but they had channels of communication.
He added that he was “not against” any communication and that “we do not restrict communication.”
U.S. intelligence officials said in 2016 that Russia had waged a disinformation campaign to place Trump ahead of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Putin has denied any interference in the campaign, according to Reuters.
“This election is not something we should decide on behalf of the American people,” the Russian president said Thursday.
Hill reached out to Harris and the Trump campaign for comment.
