Why Putin said Russia will 'support' Harris in US election
What's the story
Russian President Vladimir Putin jokingly said he will support Kamala Harris in the upcoming United States presidential election after the Joe Biden administration accused Russia of orchestrating an election interference campaign. "Our 'favorite,' if you can call it that, was the current president, Mr. [Joe] Biden. But he was removed from the race, and he recommended all his supporters to support Ms. Harris. Well, we will do so - we will support her," Putin said on Thursday.
Sarcasm
Putin's endorsement of Harris: A sarcastic gesture?
He further commented on Harris's expressive laughter, suggesting that if "everything is fine with her," she might not impose the same level of sanctions against Russia as Donald Trump did. Keir Giles, a Russia expert at Chatham House think tank, told CBS News, "It is a burst of trolling, and he's done it before...There is a clear preference from Russia because there is only one presidential candidate that is...in favor of Russian interests," Giles said, referring to Trump.
Accusations
US accuses Russia of election interference
The Biden administration has accused Russia of attempting to interfere in the November election through various means, including the creation of fake news sites to subtly disseminate Russian propaganda among Americans. Attorney General Merrick Garland revealed that Russia Today (RT), a state-funded media outlet, had funded a Tennessee-based company to create and distribute content aligned with Russia's objectives. The Justice Department has seized 32 internet domains used by pro-Russian actors and the Russian government for this covert campaign.
Influence campaigns
Russia's alleged campaigns to influence US elections
Documents submitted by the Justice Department revealed one of the Russian campaigns, known as the "Good Old USA Project," aimed to undermine President Biden's confidence rating among Americans before he withdrew his reelection bid. Another campaign, called the "US Social Media Influencers Project," described the Republican Party as advancing a relatively pro-Russian agenda that could be exploited by posing as ardent Republicans and relaying parts of their agenda that align with Russia's interests.
Official indications
US officials indicate Russia's support for Trump
In July, US officials from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security suggested that Russia was working to boost Trump's candidacy in this election cycle. However, they did not directly name his campaign. US intelligence officials maintain that Moscow still prefers Trump, who has praised Putin and suggested slashing funding to Ukraine.