Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in an interview with NBC News ahead of his meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden in Geneva next Wednesday that relations between the United States and Russia are at their lowest point in recent years. The White House confirmed that Biden would address "ransomware attacks" coming from Russia, Moscow's aggression in Ukraine, the imprisonment of opposition figures, and other issues that have strained relations. According to a translation of the interview broadcast by NBC News on Friday, Putin remarked, "Our bilateral relationship has deteriorated to its lowest levels in recent years."
In the interview, the Russian president praised former President Donald Trump, describing him as "an exceptional and talented person," noting that Biden, as a seasoned politician, is "fundamentally different" from Trump. In response to a question about Biden calling him a "killer," Putin stated that he has heard many such accusations and that it does not concern him.
During the beginning of an eight-day visit to Europe this week, Biden stated, "We are not seeking conflict with Russia." He added, "We want a stable and predictable relationship... but I have been clear that the United States will respond in a strong and effective way if the Russian government engages in harmful activities."
Putin was questioned about numerous Russian opposition figures that he has been blamed for their deaths, including former Soviet intelligence officer Alexander Litvinenko, who was poisoned in 2006. However, Putin avoided the question, claiming that some of those responsible for these deaths are in prison.
Regarding the issue of cyberattacks, known as "ransomware" attacks, recently attributed to Russia by the United States, Putin denied any knowledge of such hacking and urged Biden to reach an agreement with him on cybersecurity, according to NBC News.
Putin also denied a report published by the Washington Post last week, which stated that Russia is preparing to supply Iran with an advanced satellite that could track potential military targets throughout the Middle East. NBC News quoted Putin saying, "It is just fake news. At the very least, I know nothing about such matters... It is just nonsense."
