Putin’s Preference: Biden Over Trump – What Does It Mean for US-Russia Relations?

During an interview with Russian state TV on the 14th (local time), Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his preference for current U.S. President Joe Biden over former President Donald Trump in November’s upcoming U.S. presidential election. He added, “We will cooperate with any president that the American people trust.”

According to Reuters and other sources, when asked in the interview, “Who is better for us (Russia), Democrat Biden or Republican Trump?” Putin answered without hesitation, “Biden is experienced and predictable.” This is the first time Putin has publicly commented on this year’s U.S. election. Reuters pointed out the sanctions and containment against Russia implemented by the Biden administration, interpreting that “Putin’s remarks are more likely to be taken as a joke than at face value, given the worst state of bilateral relations.” There is also an analysis that his comments were intended to give the impression that “Biden is easier to deal with for Russia than Trump.”

President Putin continued to express his thoughts on the two candidates, as well as mentioning sensitive issues such as President Biden’s old age and mental health. He said, “When I met Biden in Switzerland a few years ago, people were already saying he wouldn’t be able to perform his presidential duties, but I didn’t see any signs of that.” Last June, he brought up an incident when President Biden hit his head while getting off a Marine One helicopter and rhetorically asked, “Who among us hasn’t bumped their head somewhere?” While it seemed like he was defending Biden, some pointed out that he deliberately mentioned Biden’s weakness, his old age.

Regarding Trump, he said, “He has been called an unorthodox politician,” but “he has his views on how the U.S. should develop relations with its allies.”