In the wake of President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 U.S. presidential race, the Kremlin has underscored that its primary focus remains on achieving its objectives in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, rather than on U.S. political developments.
On Sunday, Biden exited the presidential race amid mounting pressure from within his own party and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate for the November election. In response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia’s strategic priorities are centered on its military operations in Ukraine, not the shifting dynamics of U.S. politics.
“The elections are still four months away, and that is a long period of time in which a lot can change,” Peskov stated in an interview with SHOT news. “We need to be patient and carefully monitor what happens. The priority for us is the special military operation,” he added, referring to the ongoing Ukraine conflict using the term favored by President Vladimir Putin.
Peskov’s remarks highlight a focus on Russia’s military objectives rather than the implications of the U.S. election. Despite past comments from President Putin suggesting a preference for Biden over former President Donald Trump, the Kremlin appears to be maintaining a strategic distance from U.S. electoral developments.
Russian state media prominently covered Biden’s withdrawal and his endorsement of Harris, though they noted uncertainty about Harris’s ability to secure the Democratic nomination. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev also weighed in, expressing well-wishes for Biden’s health and affirming Russia’s commitment to its goals in Ukraine via a Telegram post.
As the U.S. political landscape continues to evolve, the Kremlin’s stance remains focused on the progress and outcomes of its military operations in Ukraine, reflecting a broader strategic priority amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
