'Stop talking about our elections, period': US warns Putin after he 'endorses' Kamala Harris

Hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow wanted Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris to win the US elections, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said on Thursday that Putin should stop talking about the upcoming elections.

“Mr. Putin ought to stop talking about our elections, period. He shouldn’t be favoring anybody one way or another,” Kirby said. His comments came a day after the US Justice Department charged two Russian media executives over an alleged illegal scheme to influence the November election with pro-Russian propaganda.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he supported Kamala Harris in November’s US presidential election, an apparent wry remark a day after the United States issued indictments accusing Moscow of vote interference.

Putin often comments on political and social issues in the United States, often in a mocking way.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he supported Kamala Harris in November’s US presidential election, an apparent wry remark a day after the United States issued indictments accusing Moscow of vote interference.

Putin often comments on political and social issues in the United States, often in a mocking way.

Internal documents revealed by the US Justice Department showed a clear strategy to help Trump win and diminish support for Democratic candidates like US President Joe Biden, who has been a staunch advocate for Ukraine. These revelations echo the findings from 2016 when Russia interfered to support Trump’s campaign.

Though US intelligence agencies have exposed many of Russia’s tactics, Moscow continues to adapt and evolve its approach. US Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco noted that Russian disinformation campaigns are becoming “more diverse and aggressive,” targeting swing-state voters with precision through AI-enhanced technologies and sophisticated cyber operations.

To prevent further meddling, the US government has implemented visa restrictions on individuals connected to Russian state-backed media outlets, requiring them to register as foreign agents. The US State Department has also designated RT and other Russian entities, including RIA Novosti and Sputnik, as foreign missions, compelling them to disclose their US operations.

With inputs from agencies