Photo: Global Look Press
US President Joe Biden said that his plans for the near future do not include personal contacts with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
According to the American leader, contacts can take place after prior consultation with NATO, but not on an independent basis from Washington. At the same time, Biden added that he is ready to talk to Putin if there is a decision by the Russian authorities to end the conflict in Ukraine.
“I am ready to talk to Putin if he is really interested in finding a way to end (the conflict) , Biden said. – I don't see it yet.
The statements were made after the US president's meeting with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in Washington. In a joint statement, the two leaders pledged to continue providing comprehensive support to Ukraine, including air defense systems and equipment to repair energy infrastructure, “for as long as it is needed.” In return, Macron said separately that a shared history obliges Paris and Washington to “become brothers in arms again”.