Biden: "US-Russia Summit Productive...Prospects for Improved Relations"

Separate Press Conference After Meeting: "It Was Quite Candid"

Photo by CNN

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] U.S. President Joe Biden said on the 16th (local time) that the summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin was productive.

After concluding the U.S.-Russia summit held in Geneva, Switzerland, President Biden said at a separate press conference, "Both sides agreed that we need to establish a stable and predictable relationship."

He explained, "I told President Putin that our agenda is not to oppose Russia but for the American people," adding, "It was important to meet in person to avoid any mistakes or falsehoods about what I wanted to convey, and I did what I came to do."

Regarding allegations of Russian interference in the U.S. presidential election and hacking, Biden warned, "He knows there will be consequences, and he knows I will act." He also said, "We have significant cyber capabilities, and I informed President Putin of that. He knows it too," suggesting the possibility of retaliation depending on the situation.

Referring to Putin’s imprisoned political opponent Alexei Navalny, he emphasized, "I made it clear that (if he dies) it would be fatal for Russia."

In that context, he also mentioned that they agreed to separately discuss issues concerning Americans detained in Russia, such as Paul Whelan and Trevor Reed, who are held on espionage charges.

He added, "No U.S. president can maintain the trust of the American people if they do not speak out to uphold our democratic values and universal, fundamental freedoms. That is why I told Putin that human rights will always be on the table."

When asked if he trusts President Putin, Biden replied, "This is not a matter of trust," and said, "I think it is about national interests and verification."

He assessed the overall atmosphere of the meeting as "positive," leaving room for prospects of improved bilateral relations in the future.

President Biden self-evaluated, "(The atmosphere of the meeting) was quite frank," adding, "The overall tone of the meeting, which lasted about four hours, was good and positive. There were no threats."

He emphasized that whether the content of the meeting will lead to progress in bilateral relations will be tested in the coming months.