Vladivostok, Russia: Russian President Vladimir Putin has weighed in on the legal challenges faced by former U.S. President Donald Trump, characterizing them as “political” prosecutions that underscore the alleged deficiencies within the American political system. These comments were made during a keynote session at his annual economic forum in Vladivostok on September 12.
President Putin went on to assert that irrespective of the next U.S. presidential election’s outcome, he does not anticipate significant changes in the U.S.-Russia relationship. Furthermore, he labeled the legal proceedings against Donald Trump as “politically motivated persecution,” highlighting how it elucidates what he views as systemic issues within the American framework.
Putin articulated, “As for the persecution of Trump, for us, in the current environment, it’s good because it shows the rottenness of the American system.” The Russian President went on to characterize it as “politically motivated persecution of one’s competitor” and evoked comparisons to the “bestial face of American capitalism,” reminiscent of Soviet-era rhetoric.
It’s worth noting that Putin, who maintained amicable relations with Trump during his presidency, has consistently defended the former U.S. leader. Nevertheless, the relationship between Washington and Moscow has witnessed a significant deterioration in the wake of Russia’s large-scale involvement in Ukraine.
In a notable statement, Putin expressed skepticism about any alteration in U.S. foreign policy towards Russia, regardless of “whoever will be elected president” in the upcoming election year. He further accused the current U.S. administration led by President Joe Biden of fueling anti-Russian sentiments among ordinary Americans.
“The current authorities have directed American society in an anti-Russian spirit,” Putin remarked, emphasizing the formidable challenge of reversing this course.