Vladimir Putin discussed who his “favorite” American president is while attending the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia.
The Russian president also spoke about Kamala Harris' “infectious laugh” and criticized sanctions imposed on the country by former President Donald Trump.
Putin's comments were met with heavy criticism, with US Security Council spokesman John Kirby saying: “Putin needs to stop talking about our elections, period. He shouldn't be favoring anyone in any direction.”
The comments come at a time of strained relations between the United States and Russia, after US Attorney General Merrick Garland accused Russian state broadcaster RT of paying $10 million to a Tennessee company “to create and distribute content for American audiences that carried hidden messages for the Russian government.”
As a result, the United States has indicted and sanctioned officials at Russian state media outlets for allegedly interfering in the presidential election.
