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Russia says better ties with US up to Biden
MOSCOW, Jan 20, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – The Kremlin said Wednesday that any
improvement in Moscow’s tense relationship with Washington would depend on
Joe Biden when he enters the White House.
The United States recently blamed Kremlin-backed hackers for a massive
cyberattack that breached government institutions, adding to a long list of
grievances plaguing ties between the former Cold War rivals.
“Russia will live as it has lived for hundreds of years: seeking good
relations with the United States,” the Kremlin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov
said.
Whether or not Washington works towards achieving the same goal “will
depend on Mr Biden and his team,” Peskov added.
Despite disagreements surrounding conflicts in Ukraine and Syria, as well
as US election meddling and hacking allegations against Russia, the countries
will be in a race to extend a landmark nuclear weapons accord shortly after
Biden is sworn in.
The 2010 New START treaty — the last remaining nuclear pact between the
countries — limits both sides to 1,500 nuclear warheads each and is set to
expire February 5.
Peskov said Wednesday that President Vladimir Putin has “consistently”
advocated for the preservation of the treaty and that it was now up to
Washington to preserve the pact.
Negotiations under the administration of President Donald Trump stalled as
Washington pushed for China to join the agreement even though Beijing said it
had no intention of joining.
Biden’s aides have indicated that the incoming US leader will work towards
extending the treaty, but he also vowed to take a tougher stance on Russia
during the campaign.
Peskov said Wednesday that the change in the US presidency will make no
difference to Russia and that the Kremlin was not making any preparations for
Biden’s inauguration.
BSS/AFP/SSS/1752 hrs