Putin Was Sleeping: Russia on Whether He Watched the Biden-Trump Debate

As the United States geared up for another presidential election, many around the world tuned in to watch the much-anticipated debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. 

However, one prominent figure was notably absent from the audience: Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

According to the Kremlin, Putin did not set an alarm to catch the debate live, maintaining his focus on more pressing domestic issues.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, when asked about Putin’s interest in the debate, humorously deflected, questioning if anyone truly expected the Russian president to wake up in the middle of the night for the event. 

He emphasized that Russia is preoccupied with significant national concerns, far removed from the internal politics of the United States.

Despite this stance of indifference, the outcome of the U.S. election undoubtedly carries weight for Russia. 

The next American president will significantly impact U.S.-Russia relations, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and military support to Kyiv. 

While Putin claims impartiality, he previously hinted at a preference, calling Biden a “more experienced, predictable person” during a February interview, a comment that stirred discussions about the Kremlin's views.

During the debate, Biden and Trump clashed over foreign policy, with Trump asserting that a “real president” respected by Putin would have prevented the invasion of Ukraine. 

Biden retorted sharply, warning of the broader implications of allowing Russian aggression unchecked. 

This exchange highlighted the candidates' differing approaches to handling relations with Moscow.

Interestingly, despite not watching the debate, Putin's past comments suggest he is not entirely detached from American political discourse. 

In a previous interview, he expressed skepticism about Biden's mental acuity, although he stopped short of outright criticism. 

Instead, he recalled a past meeting where Biden appeared competent, countering claims of the president’s cognitive decline.

Russian politicians like Dmitry Medvedev have been more openly critical of Biden’s age, but Putin has largely refrained from such attacks. 

Nevertheless, the Kremlin leader has subtly acknowledged the ongoing debate about Biden’s fitness for office, perhaps as a way to sow discord or undermine confidence in U.S. leadership.

In conclusion, while Putin may not have watched the Biden-Trump debate, the implications of the U.S. election on Russia's strategic interests are clear. 

The Kremlin's official position of detachment masks a deeper interest in the election's outcome, which will shape the future of U.S.-Russia relations and the broader geopolitical landscape. 

Whether Biden or Trump prevails, the relationship between Washington and Moscow remains a critical focus in the years to come.