And with a heavy domestic agenda and looming decisions needed on Iran and China, a direct confrontation with Russia is not likely something Mr. Biden seeks. Mr. Biden told Mr. Putin in the phone call, first reported by The Associated Press, that the US would defend itself and take action, which could include further sanctions, to ensure Moscow does not act with impunity, officials said. Mr. Biden agreed, but he wanted first to prepare with his staff and speak with European allies, including the leaders of Britain, France and Germany, which he did. Before he spoke to Mr. Putin, Mr. Biden also called NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg to pledge US commitment to the decades-old alliance founded as a bulwark against Russian aggression. It also said Mr. Putin congratulated Mr. Biden on becoming president and “noted that normalization of ties between Russia and the United States would serve the interests of both countries."

Source: The Hindu January 27, 2021 03:57 UTC