Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his support for US Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming November presidential election during a statement at the Eastern Economic Forum on Thursday.

Speaking to an audience in Vladivostok, Putin remarked that he admired Harris' "infectious laugh" and respected President Joe Biden's endorsement of her as his successor.

During a plenary session, Putin was asked if he had a preferred candidate in the US election following Biden's exit from the race, and whether he would congratulate the eventual winner.

Putin responded by saying it had been a long time since he had direct contact with Western leaders but emphasized that Russia does not choose favorites in US elections, leaving that decision to American voters.

However, he did recall his previous support for President Biden, whom he noted was now out of the race. Putin stated that, since Biden endorsed Harris, Russia would follow suit and support her candidacy. He added that Harris' upbeat demeanor, reflected in her laugh, suggested that "everything is going well for her."

Putin also hinted that Harris' optimistic outlook could lead to a reduction in sanctions on Russia compared to former President Donald Trump, who imposed numerous restrictions on Moscow during his time in office. 

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Despite his remarks, Putin reiterated that the ultimate decision rests with the American electorate, and Russia would respect the outcome of the election.

Harris pledges aid for Ukraine

US Vice President Kamala Harris announced in June over $1.5 billion in new aid for Ukraine, focusing on its energy sector and humanitarian assistance, more than two years after the onset of the war in Ukraine.

At a two-day summit in Switzerland's Burgenstock mountain resort, Harris detailed that the aid package includes $500 million in new energy assistance funding. Additionally, $324 million in previously allocated USAID funds will be redirected to meet urgent energy needs.

"This funding will repair energy infrastructure damaged in the war, expand power generation, encourage private sector investment, and protect energy infrastructure," Harris said in a statement.

"These efforts will help Ukraine respond to Russia's latest attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure by supporting repair and recovery, improving Ukraine's resilience to energy supply disruptions, and laying the groundwork to repair and expand Ukraine's energy system," Harris added.

The new aid package from USAID and the State Department reportedly includes over $379 million in humanitarian assistance. This funding aims to "help address urgent needs of refugees, internally displaced persons, and conflict-affected communities impacted by Russia's brutal war against the Ukrainian people," Harris claimed.

She added that, with the backing of Congress, the State Department will allocate an additional $300 million for Ukrainian civilian security assistance.
 
"This support will help them safely operate on the front lines of the war to defend Ukraine's territory, rescue civilians targeted by the Kremlin's attacks, protect critical infrastructure, and investigate the over 120,000 registered cases of war crimes and other atrocities," Harris said.