Putin’s Teasing Remark Highlights Russia’s Dilemma in US Election

The upcoming US election holds significant stakes for the Kremlin, with Russian President Vladimir Putin appearing to view the choice as a dilemma between two unappealing options, The Associated Press reports.

During a September economic forum, Putin responded to a question about his preference between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris with a teasing remark, implying that neither candidate offers much promise for improving US-Russia relations.

“Our ‘favorite,’ if you can call it that, was the current president, Mr. Biden,” Putin said, before adding sarcastically that Biden had “recommended all his supporters to support Ms. Harris. Well, we will do so — we will support her.”

Analysts suggest that the Kremlin sees both candidates as unfavorable, with Harris’s known tough stance against Russia and Trump’s history of admiration for Putin. However, Putin said in September that Trump’s presidency had imposed “so many restrictions and sanctions against Russia like no other president has ever introduced before him.”

Key issues for Russia in the US election

• Aid for Ukraine: Harris is expected to continue Biden’s substantial military and economic support for Ukraine, while Trump has boasted about his potential to negotiate a swift end to the war.

• Human Rights: Harris has been vocal on human rights issues, particularly criticizing Russia’s treatment of opposition figure Alexei Navalny. Trump, on the other hand, has been more hesitant to criticize Putin on this front.

• NATO: Trump has clashed with NATO allies, questioning the alliance’s mutual defense clause and demanding higher spending from member nations. Harris has affirmed the US commitment to NATO.

• Arms control: The future of the New START treaty, the last remaining nuclear arms control pact between the US and Russia, is uncertain. While Biden renewed the treaty, Trump has advocated for a new pact that would include China.