In a recent interview with Sky News Arabia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addressed the comment made by President Vladimir Putin about Russia’s supposed support for U.S. Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential election. Putin had earlier sparked controversy when he jokingly remarked that Russia favored Harris due to her “infectious” laugh, suggesting that this trait made her more appealing than Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump.
Lavrov clarified the situation, stating that Putin’s remarks were made in jest, underscoring that the Russian leader often uses humor in his public statements and interviews. “It was a joke,” Lavrov explained when questioned about how a change in U.S. leadership might affect Russia’s foreign policy. He went on to highlight Putin’s well-known sense of humor, implying that the comment should not be taken seriously.
The comment from Putin had drawn immediate reactions, including from the White House, which urged the Russian president to refrain from commenting on the November 5 election. The White House’s response indicated that such remarks were unwelcome, given the sensitive nature of the upcoming U.S. presidential race.
Lavrov also touched upon broader themes of Russia’s relationship with the United States, particularly regarding the impact of the U.S. election results on Russia’s foreign policy. He stated that Russia’s stance towards U.S. elections has remained consistent over time, asserting that both the current and previous elections in the U.S. were influenced by what he referred to as the “notorious ‘deep state.’” However, Lavrov did not provide any evidence to substantiate this claim.
Despite the controversy surrounding Putin’s comments, Lavrov’s stance reflected a more measured view, emphasizing continuity in Russia’s approach to U.S. politics. His remarks, which were later posted on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s website, suggested that Russia would not alter its foreign policy direction based on the outcome of the U.S. elections.
The interview served as a reminder of the sometimes complicated relationship between Russia and the United States, particularly in the context of domestic political events in both countries. While the White House’s response to Putin’s comment indicated irritation, Lavrov’s explanation was aimed at downplaying any significance to the remark, framing it as a typical example of the Russian president’s humor rather than a serious political statement.
As the U.S. election approaches, the dynamics between these two global powers remain a focal point, with both sides closely monitoring each other’s actions and statements. In the end, Lavrov’s comments highlight the ongoing intricacies of international diplomacy, where humor, politics, and foreign policy often intertwine in unexpected ways.