Russians Ridicule US Election Allegations as Putin Expresses Support for Harris

Russian commentators on Thursday ridiculed claims that Moscow is once again interfering in the US presidential election. President Vladimir Putin added to the mockery by sarcastically stating his support for Vice President Kamala Harris. On Wednesday, the US Justice Department accused the Russian state-owned broadcaster RT of covertly trying to sway American voters ahead of the election.

US Justice Department's Allegations

The Justice Department charged two state media employees and sanctioned 10 individuals and two entities, seizing Kremlin-run websites. Although the department did not specify which candidate the campaign aimed to support, internal strategy notes indicated that former President Donald Trump was the intended beneficiary. The Kremlin has consistently dismissed allegations of meddling in US elections since 2016 as baseless.

Margarita Simonyan, head of RT and sanctioned by the US, responded on social media by mocking the allegations. She posted, "They called from 2016 and want all their tired clichés back." The Treasury Department described Simonyan as a "central figure in Russian government malign influence efforts."

Putin's Comments on US Election

Putin, speaking at an economic forum in Vladivostok, did not directly address the new US allegations but commented on the election. He noted that President Joe Biden had dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris. "We had the current president, Mr. Biden, as our favourite but he was taken out of the race. He recommended all his supporters back Mrs. Harris, so we will too," Putin said with a wry smile.

He added that Harris has an "expressive and infectious laugh," suggesting she is doing well. Putin hinted that if Harris continues to do well, she might refrain from imposing more sanctions on Russia. Some audience members were seen laughing at his remarks.

Past Influence Operations

US law enforcement and intelligence officials have stated that Putin authorised operations to help Trump in the 2020 election. Trump's 2016 campaign also benefited from Russian hacking and a covert social media effort. Before Trump's 2016 victory, Putin praised him as "outstanding" and "talented."

Earlier this year, Putin suggested that Biden's reelection would be better for Russia due to his experience and predictability. Despite this, US intelligence officials believe Moscow still prefers Trump, who has praised Putin and suggested cutting aid to Ukraine.

RT's Role in Information Warfare

Simonyan has previously discussed RT's involvement in "info wars" on a Russian talk show, highlighting how they create sources of information not directly tied to them. "We create many sources of information that are not tied to us," she said, advising against publicly discussing RT's covert work.

She explained that while the CIA tries to identify these sources, they already have a large audience by then. "While they're shutting them down we've already created new ones," she said, describing it as a game of cat and mouse with the CIA.

In Vladivostok, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova announced retaliatory measures against US media in Russia in response to the US actions. She argued that the Justice Department's moves contradict US obligations to ensure "free access to information and media pluralism."

Meanwhile, Russia continues its harsh crackdown on independent journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens, stifling free expression within the country.