Putin Endorses Kamala Harris for 2024 U.S. Presidential Race Amid Tensions with Trump

Russian President Makes Unexpected Endorsement

Russian President Vladimir Putin, at the Eastern Economic Forum in eastern Russia, appeared to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 U.S. presidential race. Putin suggested that, following President Biden’s support for Harris, Russia would also support her candidacy.

Putin’s remarks were accompanied by a notable comment on Harris’s demeanor. “She laughs so expressively and infectiously that it means everything is fine with her,” he remarked, reflecting a light-hearted but unusual endorsement.

Putin’s Previous Preferences and Strategic Interests

Earlier in the year, Putin had shown support for President Biden before Biden’s withdrawal from the race. Putin expressed a preference for Biden due to his predictability compared to former President Trump. Rebekah Koffler, a former DIA intelligence officer, interprets Putin’s latest comments as a strategic maneuver rather than genuine support. “The Russians don’t really endorse anyone in the traditional sense,” Koffler told Fox News Digital. “Putin thinks he can more easily influence Harris compared to Trump, whom he views as unpredictable..”

U.S. Intelligence Assessment and Russian Interference

Despite Putin’s apparent endorsement of Harris, U.S. intelligence assessments suggest that Putin would prefer a second Trump presidency. Past investigations have revealed that Russia engaged in disinformation campaigns to support Trump and undermine Democratic candidates. The U.S. Director of National Intelligence’s 2020 report highlighted Russian efforts to denigrate Biden’s candidacy and exacerbate U.S. sociopolitical divisions.

Trump’s Stance on Ukraine and NATO

Trump’s criticism of U.S. support for Ukraine and his ambiguous stance on NATO raise concerns among alliance leaders. His potential policies, including withdrawing U.S. troops from Europe, could destabilize NATO and embolden Putin. Trump has promised a plan to end the war in Ukraine but has not detailed any specific strategies.

Putin’s Reversal on Peace Talks

In a shift from his previous stance, Putin recently expressed openness to peace talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He suggested that Brazil, India, or China could mediate the negotiations. However, Ukraine is likely to reject Chinese involvement due to China’s support for Russia in the conflict.

Putin’s comments reflect a complex geopolitical landscape as the U.S. heads towards its 2024 election, with implications for both domestic politics and international relations