Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race against former President Donald Trump during the Eastern Economic Forum in eastern Russia. Putin stated that as President Biden has backed Harris, Russia would support her candidacy. He praised Harris for her expressive laughter, indicating his preference for her as a future U.S. president.
Putin's support for Harris is seen as a strategic move, as he believes he can manipulate her more easily compared to Trump, whom he considered unpredictable. This apparent endorsement is viewed as a tactic to influence and unbalance the U.S. political landscape.
Despite Putin's comments, the U.S. intelligence community maintains that he would prefer a second Trump presidency. Previous assessments have indicated Russian interference in U.S. elections to support Trump, including denigrating Biden's candidacy and undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
Trump's stance on Ukraine and NATO has raised concerns among world leaders. His criticism of U.S. support for Ukraine and suggestions of withdrawing troops from Europe could potentially embolden Putin and destabilize the NATO alliance. Trump has hinted at a plan to end the war in Ukraine if re-elected, but details remain scarce.
In a surprising turn, Putin expressed openness to peace talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, suggesting mediation by Brazil, India, or China. This shift in stance comes after previous refusals to engage in negotiations amid Ukraine's invasion into Kursk.
The geopolitical dynamics surrounding the 2024 U.S. presidential race and ongoing conflicts highlight the complex relationships between world leaders and the potential implications for global stability.
