Despite the wide range of issues that the presidents discussed at the talks, their joint statement deals exclusively with strategic arms control and reducing the risk of a nuclear conflict
Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden
Even in times of tension, Russia and the United States have demonstrated that they are capable of implementing joint goals to ensure strategic stability. This is stated in a joint statement by the Presidents of Russia and the United States, Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden, following the talks in Geneva.
The document is published on the Kremlin’s website.
“The recent extension of the START Treaty is a testament to our commitment to nuclear arms control. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to the principle that there can be no winners in a nuclear war and it should never be unleashed, ” the statement said.
To this end, Russia and the United States intend to start a comprehensive bilateral dialogue on strategic stability in the near future, which will be substantive and energetic, the heads of state noted.
The talks, initiated by Biden, were held at the Geneva Villa La Grange. The parties agreed that no documents on their results will be signed, and the press conferences will be held separately. As President Putin said after the meeting, a wide range of issues were discussed, but there were almost no concrete solutions, the parties agreed to start work in many areas.
Russia and the United States have agreed to return their ambassadors to Moscow and Washington and begin to sort out the “many rubble” in bilateral relations. They also discussed the fate of jailed Russians in the United States and Americans in Russia, the development of the Arctic and the problem of its militarization, cyber attacks and their prevention, human rights and the persecution of the opposition in Russia, as well as “red lines”. On the last point, Putin explained that there was not enough time for a detailed conversation, these issues will be resolved in the course of further consultations.
The US President at his press conference said that the productivity and effectiveness of negotiations with Putin will be judged after six months.
“By the decisions we make or don’t make, we will know if we have received any results. We’ll find out in six months-we’ll be able to work together, we’ll be able to work together, we’ll be able to work together, starting with the release of our Americans from prison and other [issues], such as cybersecurity, ” Biden said.
The US President added that if the parties do not achieve success, it will be a problem for us. As an example of mutual understanding, Biden asked Putin how he would react if hackers attacked one of the Russian pipelines. “He nodded, he understood what I was talking about,” the American leader explained.
Both Presidents noted that the talks were held in a constructive, friendly and pragmatic atmosphere.