Putin claims Russia will support Harris in US elections

Russian leader Vladimir Putin has said that his favourite candidate in the US election was incumbent President Joe Biden, but since he has withdrawn from the race and recommended Kamala Harris, Russia will also support her.

Source: Meduza, a Latvia-based Russian news outlet, with reference to a statement by Putin at the Eastern Economic Forum on 5 September

Quote: "As for the favourite candidates, it is not for us to determine. This is the choice of the American people. Our favourite, so to speak, was Mr Biden. He has withdrawn from the race, but he recommended supporting Ms Harris. And we will do so, we will support her."

Details: Putin also said that Harris's election rival, Donald Trump, as US president, "imposed as many sanctions on Russia as any president has ever imposed before".

Quote: "Her [Harris’s – ed.] laugh is so contagious, which means that she is doing well. And if Ms Harris is doing well, she may refrain from such actions [imposing sanctions]."