Putin's Endorsement Stunt: A Game of Influence and Manipulation

Russian President Vladimir Putin has seemingly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 US presidential race, mockingly praising her demeanor while suggesting support for her candidacy. However, experts believe Putin's remarks are part of a calculated strategy to manipulate and unnerve American adversaries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 US presidential race has sent ripples through the political landscape, raising questions about Russian intentions and the potential impact on the upcoming election.

Putin's endorsement came during the Eastern Economic Forum in eastern Russia, where he was asked about his views on the upcoming US election. According to multiple reports, Putin stated that while it was ultimately up to the American people to decide, he would support Harris since President Biden had backed her.

Putin's Endorsement Stunt: A Game of Influence and Manipulation

"She laughs so expressively and infectiously that it means that everything is fine with her," Putin remarked.

Former DIA intelligence officer Rebekah Koffler believes that Putin's endorsement is part of a well-crafted influence operation.

Putin's Endorsement Stunt: A Game of Influence and Manipulation

"The Russians don't really endorse anyone in the traditional sense," Koffler told Fox News Digital. "When it comes to preference, Putin and his regime prefer Kamala to deal with as a future U.S. president."

Koffler believes that Putin sees Harris as more easily manipulated compared to former President Donald Trump, who Putin has described as unpredictable.

Putin's Endorsement Stunt: A Game of Influence and Manipulation

"By issuing these statements, the Russians are just messing with us, specifically with the Harris Team," Koffler added. "It's a classic influence operation to unbalance your adversary by mocking, teasing, and pleasing them, or rather appearing to please."

Despite Putin's apparent support for the Democratic candidates, the US intelligence community assesses that Putin would prefer a second Trump presidency. This assessment aligns with actions authorized by Putin during the 2016 and 2020 elections, where Russia engaged in election interference to bolster Trump's candidacy.

Putin's Endorsement Stunt: A Game of Influence and Manipulation

According to an investigation into the 2020 election, the US Director of National Intelligence found that Putin authorized influence operations aimed at disparaging President Biden and the Democratic Party, supporting former President Trump, and undermining public confidence in the electoral process.

Russia has consistently denied meddling in US elections, but Putin's support for Democratic candidates and their policy positions contradicts his strategic interests.

Putin's Endorsement Stunt: A Game of Influence and Manipulation

Trump has been critical of US support for Ukraine in its war against Russia, and his running mate, vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance, has openly expressed indifference towards Ukraine's fate.

NATO leaders are concerned about the potential impact of a second Trump presidency on the military alliance, as he has suggested he would withdraw US troops from Europe, a move that could destabilize the alliance and embolden Putin.

On Thursday, Putin claimed he was open to peace talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but suggested that Brazil, India, or China could mediate, a condition that Ukraine is unlikely to accept due to China's support for Russia in the war.

Putin's actions and statements regarding the US election and the war in Ukraine are a complex mix of manipulation, strategic positioning, and calculated messaging. It remains to be seen how his interventions will influence the upcoming election and the broader geopolitical landscape.