"Accept the Counterpunch": Putin

In Russia, elections are democratic, while in the United States administrative resources are used to attack one of the candidates. This was stated by Russian presidential candidate and current president Vladimir Putin during a press conference regarding the presidential election results.

“If you want to know my opinion on whether the elections are democratic or not, I believe they are. Conversely, in some countries, for example, your country, can the use of administrative resources to attack one of the presidential candidates in the United States, also using the judiciary, be considered democratic?” said Putin, responding to a question from an NBC News reporter.

He noted that the use of administrative resources and the judicial system in the United States has become “simply ridiculous and a disgrace for the whole world, while what is happening in the West is a disaster, not democracy.”

“I have every reason to assume that we do not see any democracy, at least during the pre-election processes, in some countries in the West, including the United States. Therefore, accept the counterpunch,” Putin said.

At the same time, he added that Russia does not have a preference regarding U.S. presidential candidates and will work with whoever is elected.

Commenting on the reaction of foreign media to the election process, the current leader of Russia said it was expected, as the West is fighting against the Russian Federation.

While emphasizing the courage of the NBC News reporter who attended his press conference and is listening to his answers, which may be unpleasant for him (the reporter), Putin remarked, “But since he is in the room, then everything is not lost for the U.S.”

It is noted that the Federation Council of the Russian Federation has scheduled presidential elections for March 17, 2024. Voting will take place over three days: March 15, 16, and 17.