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US President Joe Biden spoke with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin today for the first time since he took office.
The US head of state has expressed concern over Russia’s actions, including the treatment of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, the White House said, quoted by Reuters.
The news of the telephone conversation was announced by the spokesman for the US presidency Jen Saki at a regular press conference.
According to her, the issues included Biden’s proposal to extend the term of the nuclear start-up agreement with Russia New START for five years and “the (strong support) of the United States for the sovereignty of Ukraine” in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.
US President Joe Biden still believes in the pipeline Sveren Potok-2 is bad business for EuropeWhite House spokeswoman Jen Saki said at a briefing today, adding that the administration will review steps taken so far in relation to the project, Reuters reported.
According to her, the US authorities also intend to continue discussing the project with European partners, TASS added.
The Kremlin for the conversation between Biden and Putin
During the conversation, the Russian leader congratulated his American counterpart on starting his work as president of the United States. The head of state stressed that the normalization of relations between Moscow and Washington would benefit both countries, the Kremlin said.
It is observed that during the conversation the presidents expressed their satisfaction with the progress made on the extension of the Strategic Offensive Arms Treaty (START, START-3).
“In the coming days, the parties will complete all the necessary procedures to ensure the continued operation of this important international legal mechanism for the mutual limitation of nuclear missile arsenals,” the statement said.
The leaders discussed current issues on bilateral and international programs, including opportunities for cooperation in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic and other areas, including trade and the economy.
Putin and Biden mentioned the unilateral withdrawal of the United States from the Open Skies Treaty and the preservation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran’s nuclear program. The leaders also discussed Ukraine’s internal agreement and Russia’s initiative to hold a summit of permanent members of the UN Security Council.
“In general, the conversation between the leaders of Russia and the United States was formal and frank. It was agreed to maintain contacts,” the Kremlin concluded.
The White House clarified that the conversation was initiated by the American side: Biden called Putin in the middle of the day.
Today, Biden also had a phone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The two discussed foreign policy issues, particularly Afghanistan and Iran, as well as trade and climate policy and the covid pandemic.
Yesterday, he also spoke with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron and expressed his desire to strengthen bilateral ties.
