U.S. President Joe Biden previewed the upcoming summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin with statements that took on a challenging tone. Biden arrived in Britain on Wednesday at the start of an eight-day European tour, his first since taking office in January. He will conclude his European trip with a summit in Geneva, Switzerland, with Putin in mid-June.
In a speech delivered to American military personnel at a base in eastern Britain, Biden stated that he would tell Putin what he wanted him to know. He added, "I have been clear: the United States will respond in a strong and meaningful way when the Russian government engages in harmful activities."
He emphasized that he would reassure allies about the United States' role in the world, saying, "We will tell everyone that the United States is back." When boarding the presidential plane, Biden mentioned that the purpose of the trip was to strengthen relationships with allies and convey to Putin and China that the United States is strong.
Since Biden took office, tensions have characterized the U.S.-Russia relationship. His first phone call with Putin occurred just days after Biden entered the White House, where he highlighted issues concerning Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and Ukraine, topics that anger Russia.
Conversely, the two leaders expressed satisfaction about efforts made to extend the New START treaty on strategic offensive arms reduction. Tensions peaked months later when Biden referred to Putin as a "killer." The upcoming summit is expected to work towards easing tensions between Washington and Moscow on various issues, from Ukraine to cyberattacks, interference in U.S. elections, nuclear weapons, regional disputes, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
U.S.-Russian relations have seen unprecedented decline and intensity, reminiscent of the geopolitical competition and traditional rivalry during the Cold War era.
