The White House called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to "stop interfering" in U.S. elections after he stated his support for Vice President Kamala Harris at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on September 5. According to Meduza, Putin said, “Our favorite, so to speak, was Mr. Biden. He has withdrawn from the race, but he recommended supporting Ms. Harris. And we will do so. We will support her." National Security Council spokesman John Kirby responded by saying Putin "shouldn't be favoring anybody one way or another." Kirby added that the only people who should determine who the next president is are the American people, adding, "We would greatly appreciate it if Mr. Putin would...stop talking about our election, and...stop interfering in it."