Not for the first time, there are mixed messages emanating from the Kremlin. The Russian president said he supports Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, while the Kremlin’s extensive propaganda machine is apparently very much behind Donald Trump.
. . .
Putin’s comments, delivered with a wry smile, are at odds with multiple reports and intelligence assessments that have concluded Russia’s propaganda machine has backed Trump since the 2016 U.S. presidential election and is working to help him get reelected this fall.
. . .
For a better understanding of the Kremlin’s hopes for the outcome of the U.S. presidential election, a more accurate picture can be gleaned from looking at Russia’s state propaganda operations.
Putin is lying. Why are we pretending this is complicated? The crowd audibly laughed when he “endorsed” her.