Russian President Vladimir Putin lambasted the U.S. judicial system, saying the U.S. is "burning themselves from the inside" due to internal conflicts and issues within its political system. Putin said the prosecution of Trump, especially on charges formed years ago without direct proof, was simply using the courts for an internal political struggle. Trump denied the charges and called it a "rigged, disgraceful trial." He plans to appeal after his July sentencing. Putin described Biden as a more "experienced and predictable" politician than Trump.