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- As one of the last heads of state, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated the future president of the United States, Joe Biden, on his electoral victory.
- Just six weeks after the election, the Kremlin chief wished Biden success in a congratulatory telegram.
Regardless of their differences, Russia and the US could jointly contribute to solving many questions and challenges in the world, Putin wrote, according to the Kremlin. Moscow and Washington have a special responsibility for security and stability in the world.
Many points of conflict between countries
The two largest nuclear powers are currently fighting to extend their latest “New Start” nuclear disarmament agreement, which ends in February. Relationships are strained in many areas. Putin’s congratulations came shortly after state election officials confirmed Biden’s victory over incumbent Donald Trump. Many other heads of state and government had already contacted the president-elect in November.
According to previous information from the Kremlin, Putin wanted to wait for the official result of the elections. Moscow had always emphasized that congratulations on the electoral victory could not be based on the media declaring Biden the winner. In Russia there were high hopes that Trump would be re-elected. Traditionally, relations with the Republican presidents of the United States are considered better than with a Democrat. In Russia, under Biden, there are even more fears of sanctions and much sharper criticism of human rights violations.
Putin has now been quoted as saying: “For my part, I am ready to cooperate and contact you.” Relationships are very tense, among other things due to various penalties. Above all, Moscow wants to push forward the prefabricated construction of the Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea pipeline from Russia to Germany against the resistance of Washington.
The nearly completed billion dollar project was halted a year ago due to US sanctions. A section will continue to be built this month. However, new US sanctions are on the horizon.
