US President Joe Biden has firmly stated that he sees “no good reason” to engage with Vladimir Putin at present, unless there is a shift in the Russian leader’s behaviour.
Speaking at a solo press conference following the NATO Summit in Washington, the 81-year-old President emphasised his readiness to engage with any world leader, but underlined that Putin must demonstrate willingness to change his conduct.
“I have no good reason to talk to Putin right now. There’s not much that he is prepared to do in terms of accommodating any change in his behaviour,” Biden asserted in response to questions about diplomatic outreach to Russia.
Acknowledging broader geopolitical concerns, Biden highlighted Russia’s challenges in Ukraine, noting, “They’ve caused horrible damage, and loss of life, but they’ve also lost over 350,000 troops, military, killed or wounded.”
Despite acknowledging the complexities of the situation, Biden remained resolute on the need for accountability and potential diplomatic paths forward. He affirmed, “I’m prepared to talk to anybody, but I don’t see any inclination… If we allow Russia to succeed in Ukraine, they’re not stopping in Ukraine.”
Reflecting on his administration’s broader international strategies, Biden reiterated the importance of strengthening alliances and addressing global challenges. He defended his policies robustly, stating, “I’m not in this for my legacy. I’m in this to complete the job.”
Concerns about Biden’s health and ability to serve another term have intensified following recent public appearances, including a contentious debate performance against Republican rival Donald Trump last month.
