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The verbal duel between influential world leaders began after an interview with ABC News coincided with the presenter that Putin was a murderer. Will this phrase be a turning point in US-Russian relations?
L. Kojala points out that this phrase, although very strong, was not created by J. Biden himself, the question was asked by a journalist. The fact that the president of the United States has accepted this is only a reflection of the already shattered relationship between the two countries.
Let’s not forget that for many years these two countries disagreed, probably on neither issue: the situation was acute due to the history with the Skripalis, the poisoning of Alexei Navaln, the interference of Russia in the American elections. So this statement only illustrates the general trend.
However, this situation is extraordinary. In most cases, the leaders of the states are not openly criticized, the goal is to leave the opportunity for further communication and continued diplomatic relations. According to the political scientist, taking a risky step, J. Biden may have had the goal of speaking differently to his first partner D. Trump, who responded more leniently to foreign leaders.
We have heard many times that Trump sympathizes with undemocratic leaders. Furthermore, notes L. Kojala, responding favorably to the Russian leader, D. Trump wanted to emphasize the contrast between himself and the US elite hostile to Putin.
Yet America’s policy toward Russia has not changed for many years, and Trump’s softer rhetoric has not turned into political practice.
“The political decisions of the United States were not favorable to Putin, and during the years of Mr. Trump’s mandate, weapons were sent to Ukraine, sanctions were imposed on Russia,” says the director of the Center for Eastern European Studies.
When asked if this verbal clash will be a change in diplomatic practice, the political scientist replies that it probably is not. On the other hand, these harsh words are heard from the lips of an influential person all over the world. This shapes the normative attitude of how a leader is perceived, but it is not a phenomenon that would change the already difficult situation between the West and Russia.
Putin’s response also sparked controversy: He wanted the US president to be healthy. Why was the rejection exactly like this?
“It was an attempt to show that the situation was escalating because of the American political leader and that Russia would not engage in a war of words. We must not give in to such an image – says L. Kojala.” Russia is responding in such a way that You may place some of the blame for the current tense bilateral situation on the United States, but the allies will not give in to this illusion. “
Putin’s proposal to “discuss world affairs” can be viewed the same way: State relations problems are systemic and too deep for public relations to have an impact on the practical political level.
“The desire to be healthy was intended to reiterate the doubts that floated in the United States about whether Biden was tired and unfit for this position due to his age,” added the political scientist.
Internal affairs of Russia in the run-up to the elections
Kojala points out that Putin is not in a recovery period now: the country is drowning in economic troubles, many people are fighting poverty, the situation is exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.
Putin’s rating is not the highest it has been, but after the country’s constitution was changed last year, the president has a lot of room for maneuver: he has the legal opportunity to stay in office, or he can move to another structure. of government.
Therefore, the elections will not drastically change the situation.
L. Kojala commented on the situation of the opposition and the influence of its jailed leader A. Navalnas: “While in prison, he will not become a candidate, he will not be a direct actor. Still, it has become a certain phenomenon. The message he spreads is widespread, and while Navaln’s own actions are limited while in prison, his followers can spread his message. “
Lithuania’s role in strengthening the Eastern Partnership
Lithuania is taking the initiative and trying to help the world not to forget this country, the annexation of Crimea and the war in Donbass, although “there is fatigue on this issue in the West.” According to the political scientist, Ukraine needs support, it must remind the world about itself and not be forgotten.
In response to Gitan Nausėda’s visit to Ukraine, the political expert highlighted the statement by the President of Lithuania that sanctions against Russia should continue.
For many years, Lithuania has been trying to expand the area of Western democracy in the eastern neighborhood, thus ensuring Lithuania’s security and creating mutually beneficial added value. The people of those countries – Ukraine, Georgia, Belarus – want that too. The support of all NATO countries and the European Union is very important.
