In first call with Putin, Biden presses Russian president on election interference, Navalny imprisonment, White House sayshttps://www.stuff.co.nz/world/americas/300215265/in-first-call-with-putin-biden-presses-russian-president-on-election-interference-navalny-imprisonment-white-house-saysUS President Joe Biden has called Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a litany of issues, and to warn him that America would defend itself against "malign actions by Russia."
White House press secretary Jen Psaki confirmed that the call - initiated by Biden - happened.
Psaki said Biden called Putin to discuss America's "willingness to extend New START for five years," referring to the nuclear arms reduction treaty between the two countries.
Signed in 2010, the treaty expires next week, on February 5.
The president also pressed Putin on "Russia's ongoing aggression" with Ukraine, as well as
"reports of Russia placing bounties on United States soldiers in Afghanistan,
interference in the 2020 election,
the poisoning of [Russian opposition leader] Alexei Navalny and
treatment of peaceful protesters by Russian security forces," Psaki said.
The Kremlin had a slightly different readout of the call, saying in a statement that the two leaders had discussed "topical issues," including cooperation on the coronavirus pandemic, trade and economic matters.
The Kremlin mentioned "the Ukraine domestic settlement" but none of the hot-button issues listed by the White House.
It said the two leaders discussed former US President Donald Trump's withdrawal from the Open Skies agreement and the preservation of the Iran nuclear deal.
It described the call as "businesslike and frank" and said the two men agreed to stay in touch.
Trump was often criticised for being too easy on Russia and Putin, particularly on issues of national security.
During the presidential campaign, Biden promised a tougher posture when it came to Putin.
"His intention was also to make clear that the United States will act firmly in defence of our national interests in response to malign actions by Russia," Psaki said.
It looks like Biden's team might have made a few things up
I'm sure they would have discussed a LOT of "topical issues" though.
