Russian President Vladimir Putin favors Joe Biden as the next U.S. president over Donald Trump, the leading Republican candidate. Trump faced intense scrutiny for his dealings with the Kremlin during his term.
As reported by CNBC and according to Russian state-controlled news outlet Tass, Putin told journalist Pavel Zarubin, ″Biden is more experienced and more predictable. He is an 'old school' politician. But we will work with any U.S. leader elected by the people of America."
Putin's comments follow a week of international contentiousness over Trump's recent NATO remarks, as well as the mounting tensions between U.S. Democrats and Republicans over a $95 billion aid package that includes military aid to Ukraine.
Putin also appeared to dismiss recently mediatized concerns over Biden's mental acuity after he "willfully retained and disclosed classified materials" and exhibited poor memory in front of the nation, reported Department of Justice special counsel Robert Hur.
Recalling a previous meeting in Geneva in 2021, Putin revealed he had caught no sign of incapacity from Biden.
"Yes, he was peeking at his notes from time to time, but, frankly speaking, I was peeking at mine as well," Putin said, adding that there were "reports of Biden banging his head on the helicopter while leaving it, but who didn't?"
Despite his endorsement, Putin emphasized the ongoing disagreement with Biden's politics."The incumbent administration's approach is most harmful and erroneous." he said.
His favorable remarks come as a surprise as the Biden administration has strongly opposed Russia's war in Ukraine.
According to Business Insider, under the Biden administration, the U.S. has provided Ukraine with more than $44 billion in military assistance since the war began in February 2022. Biden has also spurred allies to lend their support to Ukraine.
What's Trump's Take On The Russian President?
On the flip side, Trump has spoken highly of Putin even as his administration faced allegations of Russian interference in the election.
When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Trump encouraged Putin's move, saying it was "genius" and "wonderful."
The former president also flaunted his relationship with Putin during a rally in South Carolina.
"As Putin said, 'You're the most vicious president ever. There's never been a president that did this to me.' And yet, I got along with him. Isn't that nice," Trump told rally attendees.
While Joe Biden and Donald Trump still have to campaign for the 2024 presidential election, Vladimir Putin is most certain of his own reelection.
Putin has held power since 2000 and will seek his fifth term in office when Russia heads to the polls in March.
