US President Joe Biden said that the country does not seek to escalate relations with Russia, but promises “consequences” for “interference” and cyberattacks.
“As for Russia, I have made it very clear to President (of Russia Vladimir – ed.) Putin that while we are not seeking escalation, their actions have consequences,” Biden said in his speech to the US Congress.
The American leader added that he responded directly and proportionally to Russia’s alleged “interference” in the US elections. He noted that the United States and Russia can cooperate when it is in their interests.
On April 13, Biden, in a telephone conversation with Putin, suggested that he hold a personal meeting in a third country.
On April 28, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken clarified that it was about the coming weeks. According to him, a dialogue between the presidents of the United States and Russia is possible on a number of issues, including strategic stability. The head of the American foreign policy department stressed that for this the Russian authorities should refrain from “escalation”.
On the same day, the press secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov said that the idea of a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden requires deep analysis, since every time Washington’s statements about the summit are side by side with words about sanctions.