Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly endorsed U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris for the upcoming presidential election, saying he would follow President Biden's recommendation for his supporters to back her after Biden's withdrawal from the race. This statement has drawn sharp criticism from U.S. officials, including National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, who called for Putin to cease interfering in American elections. Kirby emphasized that the American people should determine their next president without foreign influence. Putin's comments came amid renewed tensions between the U.S. and Russia, following recent indictments against Russian individuals for alleged electoral interference. The U.S. has accused Russia of employing tactics to support Trump in past elections while diminishing the prospects of Democratic candidates. Putin's remarks were perceived as mocking the U.S. political system, further straining diplomatic relations.