US President Joe Biden has told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin that the United States will take action if new cyberattacks are carried out against US targets.
He said this during a press conference after his first meeting with Putin in Geneva, Switzerland.
“He knows there will be consequences,” Biden said, referring to sanctions previously imposed on Russia. The US accuses the Russians of meddling in the presidential elections and hacking into American companies, which Kremlin denies. Biden says Putin’s actions are weakening his country’s global position. “His credibility worldwide is declining.”
The heads of state also spoke in Geneva about human rights in Russia. Biden cited the treatment of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. His imprisonment has been criticized internationally. Biden said the consequences for Russia would be “devastating” if Navalny dies. Other topics discussed were nuclear weapons, the exchange of prisoners and eastern Ukraine.
The talks were “good and positive”, according to Biden. Putin described the talks as “constructive” earlier in the evening after announcing that they are sending their ambassadors back to each other’s countries. According to Biden, both leaders did not agree on all topics, but he did have the opportunity to explain how the US feels on some issues.
Biden arrived in the UK last Wednesday, where he attended the G7 summit and met the royal family. He then travelled to Belgium for NATO and European Union meetings. The visit to Europe concluded with a meeting with Putin. After his press conference, he left for the airport.
