Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that he watched excerpts from the debate between U.S. President Joe Biden and his opponent Donald Trump, but his preference for Biden as the U.S. president has not changed. When asked by a government television reporter if Biden or Trump's performance was better and if his declared preference for Biden changed after the debate, Putin replied: "Nothing has changed."
Putin has repeatedly expressed that he feels Biden is the best choice for the next president of the United States, even after Biden referred to the Russian president as "crazy." Putin clarified that he watched parts of the debate between Biden and Trump but has other matters to attend to. He said: "I saw some excerpts. But I am busy enough with work."
Biden (81 years old) had a faltering performance during the debate, raising questions about the viability of his continued candidacy due to his age and mental capabilities. Putin stated that he did not pay attention to biased media reports regarding the debate, but he cannot ignore them since the United States remains a superpower.
In response to a question about Trump's statements that he could swiftly end the Ukraine war if elected president, Putin said that Russia takes his words seriously, but has no idea about the details of any of Trump's peace proposals. He added: "The fact that Mr. Trump, as a presidential candidate, announces that he is ready and wants to stop the war in Ukraine, we take this seriously." He further explained: "Of course, I am not familiar with the potential proposals regarding the way he intends to do this. That is the important question. But I have no doubt that he means it sincerely, and we support that."
