Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday appeared to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race against former President Donald Trump.

According to numerous reports, during the Eastern Economic Forum, in which he participated, Putin was asked about his position on the upcoming US elections.

The Russian president, apparently smiling alongside the event’s moderator, said the decision was ultimately up to the American people, but added that since President Biden had endorsed Harris, “we will do the same, we will support her.”

“She laughs so brightly and contagiously that it means everything is fine with her,” he added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, September 5, 2024. (Kirill Kazachkov/Roscongress Foundation via REUTERS)

PUTIN SAYS HE PREFERS A ‘MORE PREDICTABLE’ BIDEN OVER TRUMP

Earlier this year, Putin endorsed Biden before withdrawing from the race, saying he preferred Biden to Trump because he was a more predictable candidate.

According to former DIA intelligence officer and author of “Putin’s Playbook” Rebecca Koffler, “The Russians don’t really support anyone in the traditional sense of the word.

“In terms of preferences, Putin and his regime prefer Kamala to deal with the next U.S. president,” Koffler told Fox News Digital. “Putin believes he can easily manipulate Harris, unlike Trump, who the Russians have portrayed as unpredictable and difficult to read.

Former President Trump and Vice President Harris side by side in a split photo. (Getty Images)

“By issuing these statements, the Russians are simply making fun of us, especially the Harris Team,” Koffler added. “This is a classic influence operation to throw the adversary off balance by mocking, teasing and pleasing them, or rather giving the impression that they are pleased.”

Despite Putin’s statements of clear support for Democratic candidates over Trump, the U.S. intelligence community still believes Putin would prefer a second Trump presidency, according to reports earlier this year.

Former President Donald Trump (left) and vice presidential candidate U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, appear on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 15, 2024. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

WHY PUTIN PREFERS HARRIS OVER TRUMP IN THE WHITE HOUSE

This assessment is reportedly consistent with actions approved by Putin during the 2016 and 2020 elections, when Russia was found to have interfered in the elections by conducting disinformation campaigns aimed at bolstering Trump’s candidacy.

According to an investigation into the 2020 election, the U.S. Director of National Intelligence found that “Russian President Putin authorized and a number of Russian government organizations conducted influence operations designed to discredit President Biden and the Democratic Party, support former President Trump, undermine public confidence in the electoral process, and deepen sociopolitical divisions in the United States.”

Russia denies interfering in any U.S. election, although Putin’s clear support for Democratic candidates and their stated policy positions run counter to his strategic interests.

Trump has been critical of U.S. support for Ukraine in its war with Russia after the invasion more than two and a half years ago, and his chosen running mate, vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance, has openly said, “I really don’t care what happens to Ukraine one way or the other.”

In addition, NATO leaders remain concerned about how a second Trump presidency would affect the military alliance, as he has suggested withdrawing U.S. troops from Europe — something some fear could destabilize the alliance and embolden Putin.

Trump has said he has a plan to end the war if elected, though he has not provided details on the specific policy actions that would be taken to do so.

People walk among graves at the Field of Mars cemetery in Lviv, Ukraine, Aug. 24, 2024, to honor fallen soldiers on Ukraine’s Independence Day, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo: Ivan STANISLAVSKY / AFP)

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Putin said on Thursday he was open to peace talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying: “If Ukraine wants to continue negotiations, I can do that.”

The comments are a reversal of his earlier statements, when he said there was no possibility of talks in the face of Ukraine’s invasion of Kursk.

Putin also suggested that Brazil, India or China could act as a mediator in the talks – something Ukraine is unlikely to agree to because China supported Russia in its war.

Reuters contributed to this report.