Journalist and foreign policy correspondent Michael Tumann assessed the behavior of US President Joe Biden towards Russia and suggested that the American leader chose the “third path.” He wrote about this in an article published on April 16 in the German newspaper Die Zeit.
The expert noted that Biden is simultaneously striving for dialogue with Russia, and at the same time tightening sanctions against the country. Tumann suggested that such behavior of the American leader may indicate the choice of a certain “third path” in relations between the United States and Russia, which differs from those chosen by his predecessors.
As the author of the material emphasized, Biden called Russian President Vladimir Putin and offered to hold the summit on neutral territory. This event gave the impression of progress in bilateral relations and weakening in the crisis between the countries. Two days later, the United States imposed rather tough anti-Russian sanctions and at the same time announced the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats.
The expert explained that the sanctions are quite painful, but not destructive, since Russia is less dependent on the sale of government bonds abroad than many Western countries. He also noted the fullness of Russian national funds and the fall of the ruble, which did not create panic.
“With the sanctions, Joe Biden demonstrates a clear rejection of his predecessor <...> Donald Trump, but not from himself and his proposal to talk. He shows what he means by “tough relations with Russia”, but at the same time, his offer to meet with Putin remains in effect. Thus, Biden indicates a possible third way in relations with Russia, ”Tumann summed up.
He added that the path taken by Biden differs from the actions of his predecessors Donald Trump, Barack Obama and George W. Bush.
Earlier, on April 13, a telephone conversation took place between Putin and Biden. It was noted that it was initiated by Washington. The American leader reaffirmed his commitment to building stable and predictable relations with Russia in accordance with the interests of the United States and proposed to hold a summit meeting to discuss the set of issues facing the countries.
In turn, the press secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov said that no one would rush to work out the meeting between Putin and Biden, the main thing is that the US initiative should be correlated with real affairs.
On April 15, Biden signed a decree imposing sanctions against Russia. It was clarified that the Biden administration “made it clear” that the United States “wants stable and predictable” relations with Russia, but at the same time will defend its national interests.
On the same day, the White House confirmed that, despite the sanctions imposed by the United States, the agreement to meet the two leaders remains in effect.
In turn, the American president said that he had invited Putin to hold a meeting in Europe in the summer.