Kamala Harris in Newsweek

On Principles & Values: Putin and Russia should stay out of our elections

His remark came just hours after the Biden administration accused Moscow of a widespread, sophisticated election interference campaign. U.S. intelligence agencies believe Putin is hoping for Trump to take the White House in November, given his skepticism over U.S. funding of Ukraine's war machine.

"I told you our favorite, if you can call it that, was President Biden. He's now out of the race, but he asked his supporters to back Ms. Harris, so we'll do the same," Putin said with a wry smile. "The choice is ultimately up to the American people, and we will respect that decision. Favorites aren't for us to decide--it's the American people's choice," he added.

In response, a U.S. national security spokesman said, "Putin should just stay out of our elections."