Kremlin’s Surprising Preference: What It Means for U.S.-Russia Relations

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov’s recent comments suggesting a preference for Vice President Kamala Harris over former President Donald Trump have sent shockwaves through the political landscape, raising questions about the future of U.S.-Russia relations.

At a Glance

Kremlin views Harris as more predictable than Trump
Peskov dismisses Trump’s claim of ending Ukraine war in 24 hours
Russia notes Harris’s “unfriendly rhetoric” towards Moscow
U.S.-Russia relations at historic low with no prospects for recovery
Biden’s endorsement of Harris adds new dimension to Russia’s perspective

Russia’s Surprising Stance on U.S. Presidential Candidates

In an unexpected turn of events, the Kremlin has indicated that it views U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris as a more predictable opponent than former President Donald Trump. This revelation comes as a surprise to many, given the historical narrative surrounding Trump’s alleged connections with Russia.

Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin, made these remarks in response to questions about Russia’s preferences in the upcoming U.S. presidential election. When asked about Trump’s potential candidacy, Peskov stated, “Then who is our candidate now?” He then clarified, “We have no candidate. But, of course, the Democrats are more predictable. And what Putin said about Biden’s predictability applies to almost all Democrats, including Ms. Harris.”

#Russia sees US Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris as a more predictable opponent than Republican Donald Trump, though in any case there is no prospect of an improvement in relations with Washington, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says.https://t.co/WJzA3lJjQf

— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) September 1, 2024

Dismissing Trump’s Ukraine Claims

Peskov also took the opportunity to dismiss Trump’s claim that he could end the Ukraine war within 24 hours if re-elected. The Kremlin spokesman labeled this assertion as “fantasy,” rejecting the notion that such a complex conflict could be resolved overnight. This statement underscores the ongoing tensions between Russia and the West over the situation in Ukraine.

“We have no candidate. But, of course, the Democrats are more predictable. And what Putin said about Biden’s predictability applies to almost all Democrats, including Ms. Harris.” https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2024/09/01/us-elections-kremlin-spokesman-says-harris-is-more-predictable-than-trump

Despite the apparent preference for predictability, Peskov noted that U.S. actions had severely damaged bilateral relations, which are currently at a historic low with no prospects for immediate recovery. He accused the U.S. of actions that “trample on our country’s interests,” highlighting the deep-seated mistrust between the two nations.

Harris’s Stance on Russia

While the Kremlin may view Harris as more predictable, it’s important to note that she has been a strong critic of Russian actions. The Kremlin has acknowledged Harris’s “unfriendly rhetoric” towards Russia, particularly her support for Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s military offensive in February 2022.

Harris has been vocal in her condemnation of Russian actions, describing their activities in Ukraine as “horrendous atrocities,” “gruesome,” “barbaric,” and “inhumane.” She also strongly criticized the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in an Arctic prison, calling it a sign of Putin’s brutality.

Implications for U.S.-Russia Relations

The Kremlin’s comments come at a crucial time, with President Biden endorsing Harris to replace him in the upcoming presidential election. This development adds a new dimension to Russia’s perspective on potential U.S. leadership.

While Peskov indicated that Moscow could not fully assess Harris’s potential candidacy in terms of bilateral relations due to her limited contributions in this area, the preference for predictability suggests a desire for stability in diplomatic channels, even if those channels remain strained.

As the U.S. presidential race heats up, these statements from the Kremlin serve as a reminder of the complex geopolitical landscape that the next American president will need to navigate. The future of U.S.-Russia relations hangs in the balance, with implications that extend far beyond the borders of both nations.