Russian President Vladimir Putin was asked whether a Biden or Trump victory would be “better” for Russia. The longtime Russian leader wasted no time in saying Biden, adding that he is an “old school politician” who is “more predictable.”
“Who is better for us; Biden or Trump?” Putin was asked by Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin.
“Biden,” Putin replied without hesitation. “He is more experienced, more predictable. He is an old school politician.”
“But we will work with any U.S. president who the American people have confidence in,” Putin added.
The interview marked the first time Putin has commented on the 2024 U.S. presidential elections, which is expected to be a 2020 rematch between former President Trump and Joe Biden.
The Russian leader also commented on concern surrounding Biden’s mental fitness. “When I met with Biden in Switzerland – true, that was several years, three years ago – people were already saying he wasn’t up to it. I didn’t see anything of the kind,” he said.
Putin also appeared to defend Biden by referencing an incident where the U.S. president banged his head while exiting a helicopter in June of last year. “Well, which of us hasn’t banged his head somewhere?” Putin said.
In reference to former President Trump, Putin said he “has been called a non-systemic politician; he has his own view on the topic of how the United States should develop relations with its allies.”
Putin noted that the talk about Biden’s health comes as “the election campaign is gaining speed in the U.S., and it’s taking an increasingly sharp course.” When asked if he was concerned over Biden’s health he declined to answer, stating that he is not a doctor.
