Biden thinks there`s ‘no reason’ to discuss situation with Putin

(MENAFN) United States President Joe Biden has stated that he sees no current reason to engage in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, particularly regarding the ongoing Ukraine conflict. In comments made to reporters on Thursday, Biden emphasized that while he is open to conversations with world leaders, he believes there are no grounds for dialogue with Putin at this time.

When questioned about the possibility of dealing with Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in the future, Biden asserted, “I’m ready to deal with them now,” highlighting his ongoing communication with Xi. However, he expressed skepticism about engaging with Putin, stating, “There’s not much that he is prepared to do in terms of accommodating any change in his behavior.” This remark underscores the tension between the US and Russia amid the ongoing hostilities between Moscow and Kiev.

Biden clarified his position by saying he would only be willing to talk to Putin if the Russian leader demonstrates a readiness to alter his actions. He recalled their last direct conversation, which revolved around an arms control agreement related to nuclear weapons in space, noting that those discussions did not yield significant progress.

The last time Biden and Putin spoke directly was in late December 2021, just weeks before Russia launched its military campaign in Ukraine. This invasion marked a significant downturn in United States-Russia relations, pushing them to their lowest point since the Cold War.

In response to Biden's stance, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated last month that Russia is open to discussions with the United States but insists that any talks must be comprehensive. Peskov argued that it is not feasible to isolate specific issues from the broader context of the growing complexities surrounding global security, which include the Ukraine conflict.

As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the prospect for dialogue between the United States and Russia remains uncertain, with both sides holding firm to their respective positions amidst escalating tensions. Biden's reluctance to engage without a change in Putin's behavior reflects the deep-rooted challenges that complicate any potential diplomatic efforts moving forward.

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