China News Service, March 30 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian Putin have not formally spoken by phone since February 24, when Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine.
When the Russia-Ukraine talks made a major breakthrough on the 29th, foreign media were also paying attention to the possibility of Biden-Putin talks, especially after Biden clarified his remarks that "Putin cannot continue to be in power".
White House officials responded when asked about the possibility of a meeting between Biden and Putin.
Data map: Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Biden hold talks in the villa.
According to the transcript of the press conference on the official website of the White House on the 29th, a reporter asked that Biden expressed his willingness to meet or talk with Putin again on the 28th, and what specific conditions are required to hold such a meeting.
White House communications director Kate Bedingfield responded, "I think he made it very clear that it depends on what Putin wants to talk about."
Bedingfield then explained that direct talks between U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin would be possible only if the Russian side "actually de-escalates tensions and is clearly and sincerely committed to diplomatic efforts."
On June 16, 2021 local time, Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden met at a villa called La Grange in Geneva, Switzerland.
Since the tension on the Russian-Ukrainian border continued in December 2021, the leaders of the United States and Russia have communicated directly twice through video meetings and phone calls.
On December 7, 2021, Biden held a 2-hour "closed door" video meeting with Putin. Biden expressed serious concerns about the Ukraine issue and threatened that the United States will take strong measures if Russia continues to "attack" Ukraine. economic response.
Data map: US President Biden.
Photo by China News Agency reporter Chen Mengtong
On February 12 this year, Biden held another telephone meeting with Putin, which was two days earlier than the scheduled date.
Biden made it clear again during the talks that the United States and its allies will impose sanctions on Russia if Russia takes military action against Ukraine.
FILE PHOTO: Russian President Vladimir Putin.
On February 20, the White House also issued a statement saying that Biden "in principle" agreed to meet with Putin, provided that Russia did not "attack" Ukraine.
However, four days later, on February 24, the Russian army announced a special military operation in Ukraine, which prevented the meeting from being held in the end.