Putin: "Still Uncertain Who Won US Presidential Election... There Are Issues with the Electoral System"

Russia Holds Off Contacting President-Elect Biden After Election, Observes Results
Russia, Brazil, Mexico Among Countries Withholding Congratulations to Biden

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his intention not to congratulate U.S. President-elect Joe Biden yet, stating that the winner of the U.S. presidential election is not clear.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

On the 22nd (local time), President Putin echoed U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that the winner of the U.S. election is uncertain, through a broadcast on Russian state media. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that this statement from President Putin is the first official comment made since the U.S. election.

Since the U.S. election, President Trump has continued legal battles, alleging issues in the voting and counting process. However, WSJ noted that there is no verifiable evidence supporting these claims. Federal agencies have also stated that the election was conducted securely without external interference.

President Putin also criticized the U.S. election system. He said, "It is obvious not only to me but also to the world and Americans that there are problems with the U.S. election system."

Without revealing whether he supports President Trump or President-elect Biden, President Putin stated, "I can work with anyone."

WSJ reported that, besides Russia, Mexico and Brazil also refrained from congratulating the election winner, mentioning President Trump's ongoing legal challenges.