Kremlin Decries U.S. Presidential Debate Usage of Putin's Name

The Kremlin has expressed displeasure over the frequent mention of Vladimir Putin's name during a U.S. presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, criticized both candidates for dragging the Russian president into their political clash, emphasizing the negative portrayal of Russia in U.S. politics.

The Kremlin voiced discontent on Wednesday with the mention of President Vladimir Putin's name during the U.S. presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called on the candidates to stop involving Putin in their political brawl.

Peskov's comments came a week after Putin jokingly expressed favor for Harris over Trump, prompting the White House to advise Putin to refrain from commenting on the U.S. election. Peskov noted that the Kremlin did not watch the debate but followed media reports concerning it.

'We observed that both candidates mentioned our president and country. The U.S., regardless of party lines, holds an unfriendly stance towards Russia,' Peskov said. He condemned the use of Putin's name in U.S. political strife and urged an end to this practice.

In the debate, Trump and Harris clashed over Putin and the conflict in Ukraine. Harris asserted that Putin would dominate Trump, while Trump focused on ending the war but did not specify his approach. Peskov remarked that a call from U.S. President Joe Biden to Putin would not resolve the conflict, instead emphasizing the need for the U.S. to abandon its policy on Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies.)