Fresh twist as Putin backs Kamala Harris for US election despite Trump ties

Putin, who previously expressed a preference for Trump and later Joe Biden, unexpectedly endorsed Harris in a statement on Thursday, September 5.

Speaking about the Democratic nominee, Putin said, "President Biden recommended voters support Ms Harris; we will also support her."

He added a light-hearted comment about her personality, "She laughs so contagiously that it shows that everything is fine with her."

READ ALSO: Biden endorses Kamala Harris as Democrats' candidate after withdrawing from race

The endorsement comes as a surprise, given Putin's known sympathies for Trump during his presidency.

However, earlier this year, Putin remarked that Biden was a more "predictable" politician than Trump, highlighting a pragmatic approach to his political allegiances.

READ ALSO: VIDEO: Obama endorses Kamala Harris for 2024 US presidency

This development arrives amidst heightened tensions between Russia and the US. Just a day before Putin's remarks, the Biden administration sanctioned Russian state media employees, seized Kremlin-controlled websites, and imposed new measures against what it perceives as Russian disinformation campaigns.

Putin also criticised France for arresting Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder of Telegram, calling the action "selective" in nature.

Additionally, he dismissed Ukraine's invasion of Russia's Kursk region, claiming it had little impact on Moscow's broader military goals.