Russia perceives US Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris as a more predictable opponent than Republican Donald Trump, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. However, he noted that regardless of the election outcome, there is little chance of improved relations between Moscow and Washington.
In an interview with Pavel Zarubin, a television reporter with privileged access to the Kremlin, Peskov dismissed Trump’s claim that he could resolve the Ukraine conflict within 24 hours if he were re-elected. This statement came after US President Joe Biden withdrew from the upcoming election, endorsing Harris as the Democratic candidate. Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin had expressed a preference for Biden over Trump, characterizing Biden as an experienced, “old-school” politician.
When asked by Zarubin who Russia might favor now, Peskov humorously replied that Russia has no preferred candidate. Still, he acknowledged that Democrats, including Harris, are generally more predictable, a quality that Putin had previously attributed to Biden.
Despite their remarks, both Putin and Peskov emphasized that the US election is an internal matter. Over time, their opinions have varied. In February, Putin praised Biden’s predictability but questioned his mental fitness, seemingly to stir controversy. In June, Putin downplayed the significance of the US election for Russia but criticized the American legal system’s alleged political bias against Trump.
Peskov stated that US actions against Russia have surpassed acceptable limits, leaving bilateral relations at an all-time low with no foreseeable path to recovery. He also rejected Trump’s promise of a quick resolution to the Ukraine crisis, calling it “fantasy” to believe that halting military aid and initiating peace talks would swiftly change Kyiv’s stance.