Monday 14 June 2021
Meeting in Geneva: “He’s tough”
Biden wants to show Putin “red lines”
On Wednesday, Joe Biden and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin will meet for the first time since the US President took office. In advance, Biden shows a clear edge and makes it clear under which conditions he wants to cooperate. The condition of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny could also play a role.
US President Joe Biden wants to show his Russian colleague Vladimir Putin red lines at a meeting in Geneva. “I will make President Putin understand that there are areas in which we can work together if he chooses,” Biden said at a press conference after the NATO summit in Brussels. “And in the areas where we disagree, make it clear what the red lines are.”
Biden meets Putin on Wednesday. “I’m not looking for a conflict with Russia,” said Biden. “But we will respond if Russia continues its harmful activities.” At the same time, he pointed out that the NATO allies would continue to support “the sovereignty and territorial integrity” of Ukraine.
About his interlocutor from Moscow, Biden said: “He is smart. He is tough. And I have found that, as they say when they play ball, he is a worthy opponent.” When asked by a reporter what it would mean for Russia-US relations if imprisoned Kremlin opponent Alexei Navalny died, Biden said: “Navalny’s death would be another indication that Russia has little or no intention to adhere to basic human rights to hold. It would be a tragedy. ”
Navalny’s death would damage Russia’s relations with the world – including Moscow’s relations with him personally, Biden said. Navalny has been detained in a penal camp east of Moscow for months. The Russian judiciary has accused the 45-year-old of violating probation conditions in a previous criminal case while he was recovering from an attack with the neurotoxin Novitschok in Germany.
Democratic values under pressure
Biden sees NATO’s democratic values under pressure. “Russia and China are both trying to drive a wedge in our transatlantic solidarity,” he said. “But our alliance has a strong foundation on which we can continue to build our collective security and prosperity.”
Biden reiterated that he had clearly committed himself to Article 5 on collective defense at the summit. “It’s a sacred obligation.” He underlined: “NATO stands together.” With a view to the NATO summit, Biden said: “It has been an incredibly productive day here.”
The heads of state and government of NATO had thanked him for meeting Putin now, said Biden. He had discussed with them what was important to discuss with the Kremlin chief. The summit with Putin in Geneva marks the end of Biden’s first trip abroad as US president, during which he attended a NATO summit for the first time. At the weekend he was already at the meeting of the G7 countries in Great Britain. Talks with top EU representatives are planned in Brussels on Tuesday.
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