Moscow: President Vladimir Putin has expressed Russia’s preference for seeing President Joe Biden secure a second term, citing Biden’s experience over Donald Trump. In an interview with a correspondent from Russian state television on Wednesday, Putin stated that while he would collaborate with any elected US leader, he unequivocally favored Biden’s victory when asked about the better choice from Russia’s perspective. “Biden, he’s more experienced, more predictable, he’s a politician of the old formation,” Putin affirmed.
“But we will work with any US leader whom the American people trust.” Responding to speculation about Biden’s health, Putin remarked, “I’m not a doctor, and I don’t consider it proper to comment on that.” Biden’s team addressed Democratic concerns regarding his age and memory, stemming from a special counsel’s report that cleared Biden of criminal charges related to classified documents after leaving office. Putin observed that discussions about Biden’s health coincided with the acceleration of the US election campaign, noting that such allegations circulated even during their meeting in Switzerland in June 2021. He stated he witnessed Biden in good health. “They talked about him being incapacitated, but I saw nothing of the kind,” Putin remarked. “Yes, he was peeking at his papers, to be honest, I was peeking at mine, not a big deal.”
However, Putin criticized the Biden administration’s policies, viewing them as flawed. Relations between Russia and the West have deteriorated significantly since Putin deployed troops into Ukraine in February 2022. “I believe that the position of the current administration is badly flawed and wrong, and I have told President Biden about that,” Putin asserted. Putin defended Russia’s actions in Ukraine, claiming they were necessary to protect Russian speakers and prevent perceived threats to Russia’s security from Ukraine’s NATO aspirations.
Regarding Trump’s recent statement about NATO, Putin emphasized that it is up to the US to determine its role within the alliance. Trump’s remarks contrasted sharply with Biden’s commitment to defend NATO territory, prompting European nations to pledge bolstered security measures. Putin attributed Trump’s stance to his first-term policy of pressuring NATO allies to increase defense spending. “He has his own view on how relations with allies should develop,” Putin remarked.
In an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, Putin anticipated a more aggressive approach. He used the opportunity to advocate for Russia’s interests in Ukraine and call for negotiations with Kyiv. Putin expressed disappointment that Carlson did not pose questions about alleged war crimes in Ukraine or Russia’s suppression of dissent. “He didn’t allow me to do what I was ready for,” Putin stated, labeling Carlson as a “dangerous man”.
