Would Putin prefer Trump or Harris as next US president?

In September, Russian President Vladimir Putin responded with a mocking smile when asked about the US presidential election at an economic forum in Vladivostok. 

Speaking at the event in the eastern Russian city, Putin teased that his “favourite” had been US President Joe Biden, but as Biden is no longer in the running, he sarcastically suggested support for Kamala Harris, noting her “infectious laugh” as a positive. 

Next Tuesday, US citizens will head to the polls to choose their next president in an election that appears to be on a knife-edge between Democratic candidate Harris and her Republican counterpart, Donald Trump.

The outcome of the election holds significant implications for Russia, with analysts noting that neither Harris nor former President Trump is considered likely to repair strained US-Russia relations. 

Harris has maintained a strong stance against Moscow, while Trump — despite his admiration for Putin — imposed major sanctions on Russia during his term as president.

Referring to Trump, Putin said at the Vladivostok event that there were “so many restrictions and sanctions against Russia like no other president has introduced before him.” 

Harvard academic Timothy Colton said that Trump may be marginally preferred by the Kremlin leadership as a “known quantity".

"Nothing good is going to come in the election from Russia’s point of view," said Colton, chair of The Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies.

Harris has pledged support for Ukraine and is seen as likely to maintain the Biden administration's military and economic aid for the country, while Trump has hinted at a desire to negotiate an end to the conflict, potentially by lifting sanctions on Russia. 

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of