Putin's Teasing Remarks on Kamala Harris: A Controversial Joke

Russian President Vladimir Putin's comments supporting Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the U.S. presidential election were meant as a joke, clarified Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Putin's remark, citing Harris' laugh, led to a response from the White House. Lavrov downplayed any significant impact on Russia-U.S. relations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent comments expressing support for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the forthcoming U.S. presidential election were intended as humor, clarified Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in an interview with Sky News Arabia.

Putin had earlier suggested Russia favored Harris over Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump, citing her 'infectious' laugh as a playful reason. This remark elicited a response from the White House, urging Putin to refrain from commenting on the November 5 election.

'It was a joke,' Lavrov reiterated when queried about the potential impact of the U.S. presidential election on Russia's foreign policy. Lavrov emphasized that there would be no significant change in Russia's stance regardless of the election outcome, attributing the consistency to the influence of the 'deep state.'

Lavrov's statements were subsequently published on the Russian foreign ministry's website on Friday.

(With inputs from agencies.)