Washington, Sep 11 (V7N)– In a highly anticipated televised debate, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris launched her first direct attack on Republican rival Donald Trump as the US presidential election campaign intensifies ahead of the November vote.

During the debate, hosted by ABC News, Harris accused Trump of being overly reliant on Russian President Vladimir Putin, warning that Trump "will melt under pressure from Putin." She added that Putin’s growing influence in Europe, particularly in Ukraine and Poland, poses a significant threat, claiming, "Putin would sit in Kiev and keep an eye on the rest of Europe."

The debate highlighted key foreign policy issues, with Trump focusing on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Trump called for an end to the conflict and questioned the high expenditure of the United States in the war compared to European countries. "I want this war to stop," Trump said, adding that he is familiar with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Putin.

Trump also used the debate to make a sharp critique of Harris on her stance towards Israel. "Kamala Harris hates Israel and the Arab people," Trump claimed, warning that if Harris is elected, "in two years from now, Israel will not exist." He further asserted that if he were president, there would be no war in Gaza.

Harris dismissed Trump’s accusations, accusing him of sowing division. She argued that Trump’s close ties with authoritarian figures like Putin are dangerous and called for an end to the Gaza conflict.

The debate comes as the US presidential election heats up, with both candidates making their final push to secure votes in November. Harris is running in place of current President Joe Biden, who withdrew his candidacy earlier this year.

This debate marks a significant moment in the campaign, showcasing sharp contrasts between the two candidates on foreign policy, with the Israel-Palestine conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war taking centre stage.

END/RH/AJ