White House representative John Kirby did not appreciate the Russian president’s praise
Russia should stay away from US elections altogether, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters at the White House after Russian President Vladimir Putin praised his US counterpart Joe Biden.
In an interview with a Russian journalist on Wednesday, Putin said he would prefer if Biden won the November election, as he is more experienced and predictable.
“I think Mr. Biden – no, I’m sorry, I think Mr. Putin knows very well what this administration has been doing to counter Russia’s malign influence around the world and certainly what they’ve been doing inside Ukraine,” Kirby said at the White House on Thursday, answering a question about the Russian leader’s apparent endorsement.
“Mr. Putin should just stay out of our elections,” Kirby added.
The retired US Navy admiral has previously spoken on behalf of the State Department and the Pentagon, before coming to the White House as the spokesman for Biden’s National Security Council. He often briefs reporters on foreign policy matters, leaving domestic politics to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
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