From an AP report at NJ News Flash:
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday that terrorists are aiming to derail President Bush’s chances at re-election through their attacks in Iraq. […] “International terrorism has as its goal to prevent the election of President Bush to a second term,” he said. “If they achieve that goal, then that will give international terrorism a new impulse and extra power.” Still, Putin didn’t say which candidate he favored in the Nov. 2 election. “We unconditionally respect any choice of the American people,” he said. [“Putin: Terrorist aiming to derail Bush bid“, October 18, 2004]