Kremlin Says No Immediate Discussion Of Potential Biden-Putin Meeting Yet

As Russian’s invasion of neighboring Ukraine continues, there remains little to no chance of discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and United States president Joe Biden, according to a Kremlin official. The White House had initially shot down the possibility of meeting with the Kremlin government, stating on February 22nd –two days prior to the Russian forces entering Ukraine–that a summit between the two countries was “certainly not in the plans” in their own statement obtained by Reuters. The troubling lack of communication between the Russia and U.S. only diminishes hope for a resolution to halt the fighting in Ukraine.

The war in Ukraine has intensified since President Putin ordered Russian troops to attack at the end of last month. The invasion seems to be continuing for the immediate long run, with no discussions insight beyond the ones currently held by Ukrainian and Russian officials. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has also confirmed this, saying there are no talks about holding any Biden-Putin, according to the Tass news agency. The rejection of any talks between Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin only adds to the pattern of canceled meetings and connections between the U.S. and Russian governments. 

Since the war started, both have publicly said they are willing to talk with the other, however, that remains to occur. In “an expected development” according to Reuters, White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said any meeting would be “off the board,” but remains somewhat hopeful for a potential summit that could help resolve the conflict according to Radio Free Europe (RFE). 

“We’re never going to completely close the door to diplomacy,” she told reporters. However, Psaki also made clear the Biden administration will not instigate nor initiate talks with Russia until Vladimir Putin pulls his troops back from Ukraine, stating “diplomacy can’t succeed unless Russia changes course.”

That seems to be the case of the talks between Ukrainian and Russian representatives. Mostly, negotiations for a ceasefire alone have been at a standstill between the two, as Russia has repeatedly betrayed any agreement and attacked both citizens and humanitarian groups. Although Turkey claims that Ukraine and Russia are nearing “close to agreement” in negotiations, according to Al Jazeera, CNN reports that the U.S. and NATO remain skeptical of Turkey’s assertions and Moscow’s engagement in those negotiations. Regardless of the truth, overall talks to completely end the war and halt the invasion of Ukraine remain highly unlikely as the West continues to sever ties with the Russian government and oligarchs in all sectors.

In order to produce any progress in ending the Ukrainian onslaught, dialogue must be resumed between the U.S. and Russia. President Biden can play an integral role in diffusing and ending the war through productive diplomacy and swift compromises with Vladimir Putin. For any resolution to unfold, a productive summit between the U.S. and Russia can turn the tide from the latter being uninterested in talks to participating in them more. Many Ukrainians hope talks will continue and that the war, which has ravaged the country and displaced many people, officially ends. 

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