US President Biden and Russian President Putin conducted summit talks over a video link on Tuesday which lasted for two hours.

The White House said President Biden "voiced deep concerns" over Russia's escalation of forces surrounding Ukraine.

Biden told the Russian president that the US and its allies would respond with "strong economic and other measures in the event of military escalation."

Biden reiterated his support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy, the White House added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-biden-putin-virtual-summit-russia-slams-us-move-to-boycott-beijing-winter-olympics-434860">Also Read:&nbsp;Ahead of Biden-Putin virtual summit, Russia slams US move to boycott Beijing Winter Olympics</a>

The two leaders also decided to follow up on development in Ukraine in coordination with allies and partners. &nbsp;

Biden and Putin also discussed US-Russia dialogue on strategic stability, ransomware including joint work on regional issues including Iran. &nbsp;

The White House added that President Biden would call US allies including Britain, France, Germany and Italy after talks with the Russian president.

The talks took place amid tensions between Russia and Ukraine with Russian troops reportedly amassed at the border. President Putin has repetedly&nbsp;denied Russia intends to invade Ukraine while asserting that the country's troops can move around freely inside their territory.

Western powers in the past one month have repeatedly warned Russia over escalation of tensions with Ukraine.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

US President Biden and Russian President Putin conducted summit talks over a video link on Tuesday which lasted for two hours. The White House said President Biden "voiced deep concerns" over Russia's escalation of forces surrounding Ukraine.

US President Biden and Russian President Putin conducted summit talks over a video link on Tuesday which lasted for two hours. The White House said President Biden "voiced deep concerns" over Russia's escalation of forces surrounding Ukraine. Biden told the Russian president that the US and its allies would respond with "strong economic and other measures in the event of military escalation." Biden reiterated his support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy, the White House added. Also Read: Ahead of Biden-Putin virtual summit, Russia slams US move to boycott Beijing Winter Olympics The two leaders also decided to follow up on development in Ukraine in coordination with allies and partners. Biden and Putin also discussed US-Russia dialogue on strategic stability, ransomware including joint work on regional issues including Iran. The White House added that President Biden would call US allies including Britain, France, Germany and Italy after talks with the Russian president. The talks took place amid tensions between Russia and Ukraine with Russian troops reportedly amassed at the border. President Putin has repetedly denied Russia intends to invade Ukraine while asserting that the country's troops can move around freely inside their territory. Western powers in the past one month have repeatedly warned Russia over escalation of tensions with Ukraine. (With inputs from Agencies)

Will respond with strong economic measures over Ukraine escalation: Biden tells Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin briefed his US counterpart Joe Biden during the video talks about Ukraine's failure to comply with the Minsk agreements, according to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov.

"Our president informed [Biden] in sufficient detail about how Kiev fails to fulfill the relevant Minsk agreements. It was said directly that Ukraine sabotages the Minsk implementation, in addition, it sabotages the agreements reached within the framework of the Normandy Four summit, delays the negotiation process in the contact group, seeks to exclude Donbas from the negotiation process," Ushakov said following the leaders' talks.

Ushakov said that, in his meeting with Putin, Biden emphasised that the US and NATO are concerned about Russian force movements near Ukraine's borders.

According to Russian state-controlled RT News, the Kremlin said in a readout that Moscow is "seriously interested" in obtaining "reliable and firm legal guarantees" excluding NATO’s further expansion eastward and the deployment of "offensive strike weapons systems in countries adjacent to Russia." 
 
According to Ushakov, the two leaders spent a lot of time discussing Ukraine during their meetings.

According to him, Biden informed Putin that the US is preparing large-scale penalties in the event that the situation in Ukraine worsens.

According to Ushakov, Putin told Biden directly that Russia is concerned about Ukraine's and NATO's military buildup. 
 
Putin, he added, mentioned the recent NATO drills in the Black Sea.&nbsp;

According to a Russian presidential aide, Putin informed US President that the "red lines" for Moscow are NATO's continued eastward expansion and the deployment of offensive weapons in Ukraine. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-respond-with-strong-economic-measures-over-ukraine-escalation-biden-tells-putin-434960">Aslo read | Will respond with strong economic measures over Ukraine escalation: Biden tells Putin</a>

The subject of whether Putin committed not to deploy troops to Ukraine in a talk with Biden, according to Ushakov, is strange and was not even considered. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: Biden's 'carrots and sticks' for Putin

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-bidens-carrots-and-sticks-for-putin-434942/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He claimed that Biden informed Putin in an acceptable manner about the possibility of further sanctions against Ukraine. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-biden-putin-virtual-summit-russia-slams-us-move-to-boycott-beijing-winter-olympics-434860">Also Read:&nbsp;Ahead of Biden-Putin virtual summit, Russia slams US move to boycott Beijing Winter Olympics</a>

"Biden discussed the possibility of sanctions.What was previously spoken publicly and relayed to us through various routes has now been said, but in a more acceptable and presidential-worthy form", Ushakov explained.

What are the Minsk agreements on the Ukraine conflict?

The Minsk Protocol was an agreement aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine's Donbas area.

It was drafted by the Trilateral Contact Group on Ukraine, which included Ukraine, Russia, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), with the leaders of France and Germany serving as mediators in the so-called Normandy Format.&nbsp;

Here are the 13 points of Minsk agreements, in brief:

1. An immediate and comprehensive ceasefire

2. Withdrawal of all heavy weapons by both sides

3. Monitoring and verification by the OSCE

4. To start a dialogue on interim self-government for the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, in accordance with Ukrainian law, and acknowledge their special status by a resolution of parliament.

5. A pardon and amnesty for people involved in the fighting

6. An exchange of hostages and prisoners.

7. Provision of humanitarian assistance.

8. Resumption of socio-economic ties, including pensions.

9. Restore full control of the state border by the government of Ukraine.

10. Withdrawal of all foreign armed formations, military equipment and mercenaries.

11. Constitutional reform in Ukraine including decentralisation, with specific mention of Donetsk and Luhansk.

12. Elections in Donetsk and Luhansk on terms to be agreed with their representatives.

13. Intensify the work of a Trilateral Contact Group including representatives of Russia, Ukraine and the OSCE.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin briefed his US counterpart Joe Biden during the video talks about Ukraine's failure to comply with the Minsk agreements, according to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov.

Russian President Vladimir Putin briefed his US counterpart Joe Biden during the video talks about Ukraine's failure to comply with the Minsk agreements, according to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov. "Our president informed [Biden] in sufficient detail about how Kiev fails to fulfill the relevant Minsk agreements. It was said directly that Ukraine sabotages the Minsk implementation, in addition, it sabotages the agreements reached within the framework of the Normandy Four summit, delays the negotiation process in the contact group, seeks to exclude Donbas from the negotiation process," Ushakov said following the leaders' talks. Ushakov said that, in his meeting with Putin, Biden emphasised that the US and NATO are concerned about Russian force movements near Ukraine's borders. According to Russian state-controlled RT News, the Kremlin said in a readout that Moscow is "seriously interested" in obtaining "reliable and firm legal guarantees" excluding NATO’s further expansion eastward and the deployment of "offensive strike weapons systems in countries adjacent to Russia." According to Ushakov, the two leaders spent a lot of time discussing Ukraine during their meetings. According to him, Biden informed Putin that the US is preparing large-scale penalties in the event that the situation in Ukraine worsens. According to Ushakov, Putin told Biden directly that Russia is concerned about Ukraine's and NATO's military buildup. Putin, he added, mentioned the recent NATO drills in the Black Sea. According to a Russian presidential aide, Putin informed US President that the "red lines" for Moscow are NATO's continued eastward expansion and the deployment of offensive weapons in Ukraine. Aslo read | Will respond with strong economic measures over Ukraine escalation: Biden tells Putin The subject of whether Putin committed not to deploy troops to Ukraine in a talk with Biden, according to Ushakov, is strange and was not even considered. Watch | Gravitas: Biden's 'carrots and sticks' for Putin He claimed that Biden informed Putin in an acceptable manner about the possibility of further sanctions against Ukraine. Also Read: Ahead of Biden-Putin virtual summit, Russia slams US move to boycott Beijing Winter Olympics "Biden discussed the possibility of sanctions.What was previously spoken publicly and relayed to us through various routes has now been said, but in a more acceptable and presidential-worthy form", Ushakov explained. What are the Minsk agreements on the Ukraine conflict? The Minsk Protocol was an agreement aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine's Donbas area. It was drafted by the Trilateral Contact Group on Ukraine, which included Ukraine, Russia, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), with the leaders of France and Germany serving as mediators in the so-called Normandy Format. Here are the 13 points of Minsk agreements, in brief: 1. An immediate and comprehensive ceasefire 2. Withdrawal of all heavy weapons by both sides 3. Monitoring and verification by the OSCE 4. To start a dialogue on interim self-government for the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, in accordance with Ukrainian law, and acknowledge their special status by a resolution of parliament. 5. A pardon and amnesty for people involved in the fighting 6. An exchange of hostages and prisoners. 7. Provision of humanitarian assistance. 8. Resumption of socio-economic ties, including pensions. 9. Restore full control of the state border by the government of Ukraine. 10. Withdrawal of all foreign armed formations, military equipment and mercenaries. 11. Constitutional reform in Ukraine including decentralisation, with specific mention of Donetsk and Luhansk. 12. Elections in Donetsk and Luhansk on terms to be agreed with their representatives. 13. Intensify the work of a Trilateral Contact Group including representatives of Russia, Ukraine and the OSCE. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine failed to comply with the Minsk agreements: Putin informs Biden

A friendship starts with a meaningful gift. The US President Joe Biden appears to have&nbsp;taken the adage seriously. He had gifted his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin a pair of American-made sunglasses in his favourite aviator style.

The aviators have been a symbol in the US Army for ages and the company, Randolph Engineering, has had a contract with the US armed forces since 1978 for supplying nearly 25,000 pairs of the sunglasses to the army every month.

Have a look |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/highlights-stone-face-rare-eye-contact-biden-and-putins-historic-summit-391948">Highlights: 'Stone face, rare eye contact'- Biden and Putin's historic summit</a>

Biden gave the aviators as a diplomatic gift to Putin during their historic summit which took place on June 16 in Geneva, Switzerland — a few months after Biden labelled Putin as a 'killer'.

Peter Waszkiewicz, the owner the company, saw the sunglasses produced by his company being offered as a diplomatic token at the historic summit.

"It was a normal business day until about after 12:00, when the phones started ringing and the social media went abuzz,&nbsp;then we realised what was going on," he said. "It's pretty amazing, isn't it?&nbsp;I mean how often does an opportunity like this happen?"

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-highlights-of-the-geneva-summit-392269">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-highlights-of-the-geneva-summit-392269/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

These aviator-styled sunglasses were made famous by the US Army and Tom Cruise, who wore it in a famous 1980s movie, Top Gun.

The "Concorde" sunglasses take nearly 200 steps and six weeks to be created to perfection and the company revealed that the ones gifted to Putin are named after the 20th-century supersonic aircraft and cost nearly $279.

"President Biden, I'm sure, gave those glasses to President Putin as a symbol of our national heritage," Waszkiewicz said.&nbsp;"And let's hope it's the symbol of peace."

A friendship starts with a meaningful gift. The US President Joe Biden appears to have taken the adage seriously. He had gifted his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin a pair of American-made sunglasses in his favourite aviator style.

A friendship starts with a meaningful gift. The US President Joe Biden appears to have taken the adage seriously. He had gifted his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin a pair of American-made sunglasses in his favourite aviator style. The aviators have been a symbol in the US Army for ages and the company, Randolph Engineering, has had a contract with the US armed forces since 1978 for supplying nearly 25,000 pairs of the sunglasses to the army every month. Have a look | Highlights: 'Stone face, rare eye contact'- Biden and Putin's historic summit Biden gave the aviators as a diplomatic gift to Putin during their historic summit which took place on June 16 in Geneva, Switzerland — a few months after Biden labelled Putin as a 'killer'. Peter Waszkiewicz, the owner the company, saw the sunglasses produced by his company being offered as a diplomatic token at the historic summit. "It was a normal business day until about after 12:00, when the phones started ringing and the social media went abuzz, then we realised what was going on," he said. "It's pretty amazing, isn't it? I mean how often does an opportunity like this happen?" WATCH | These aviator-styled sunglasses were made famous by the US Army and Tom Cruise, who wore it in a famous 1980s movie, Top Gun. The "Concorde" sunglasses take nearly 200 steps and six weeks to be created to perfection and the company revealed that the ones gifted to Putin are named after the 20th-century supersonic aircraft and cost nearly $279. "President Biden, I'm sure, gave those glasses to President Putin as a symbol of our national heritage," Waszkiewicz said. "And let's hope it's the symbol of peace."

Diplomatic token: Biden gifted aviator-style sunglasses to Putin during historic summit

President Joe Biden's first overseas trip put his diplomatic and negotiating philosophy on display, as he rallied traditional US democratic allies to confront new and old challenges and offered an often rosy take on the possibilities of cooperation with Russian President Vladimir Putin after a one-on-one summit. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/highlights-will-not-tolerate-violence-of-democratic-sovereignty-biden-tells-putin-391919">Read: Blow-by-blow account of Putin-Biden summit</a>

Here are some key takeaways:

A reset they didn't call a reset

Biden and Putin did not use the word reset to describe the state of relations between the two nations after their summit in Switzerland.

But that's what the meeting amounted to, with both men staking out clear areas of disagreement, even as they pointed to smaller-scale areas where they could cooperate. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/highlights-stone-face-rare-eye-contact-biden-and-putins-historic-summit-391948">Pictures: 'Stone face, rare eye contact'- Biden and Putin's historic summit</a>

They conveyed both mutual respect and mutual scepticism. It was an abrupt return to more conventional U.S.-Russia framing after the presidency of Donald Trump, who often seemed to elevate Putin and create at least the aspiration that the countries could be more like partners.

This time, each leader left with the understanding that some of the old rules still apply. Russia returns to its place as a worthy adversary," as Biden put it, rather than some kind of colleague. And the longer-standing tensions, over cyber warfare and human rights, remain.

The art of the face 
 
After their three-hour meeting, Biden's sunny disposition stood in sharp contrast to the more sober, taciturn tone of Putin, who at times became defensive when asked questions by reporters about human rights violations in Russia and the country's invasion of Ukraine.

Even so, Biden acknowledged his optimism was more wishful thinking than reality.

I'm going to drive you all crazy because I know you want me to always put a negative thrust on things, particularly in public, he said shortly before boarding Air Force One, adding, that way, you guarantee nothing happens.

It highlighted the president's negotiating style, whether it be with Putin or with Senate Republicans at home on infrastructure in which he publicly expresses his belief that a deal can be struck despite often overwhelming odds.

I know we make foreign policy out to be this great, great skill that somehow is sort of like a secret code," Biden said. "All foreign policy is a logical extension of personal relationships. It's the way human nature functions."

He later added, There's a value to being realistic and to put on an optimistic front, an optimistic face." 
 
.... And the face-to-face 
 
Biden's eight-day, three-country foreign trip demonstrated his emphasis on personal relationships above all.

There's no substitute, as those of you who have covered me for a while now, for face-to-face dialogue between leaders. None, Biden said, declaring his summit with Putin a success simply for the fact that they spoke in person.

Throughout his trip, most of Biden's meetings were conducted in private, without cameras, or with only a few moments open to media.

It highlighted Biden's faith in intangible personal ties that can drive policy outcomes, both foreign and domestic.

And it marked a clear departure in style from Trump, whose freewheeling public meetings with global leaders became something of a legend on the international stage. Relationships tended to flow one way with obsequious public displays by heads of state and government trying to get on Trump's good side.

Biden is banking that those leaders will welcome a return to the old school approach.

With a little help from my friends 
 
Before leaving Washington, Biden reasserted his view that democracies are in a generational confrontation with autocratic governments and that the U.S. can't hope to prevail if it stands alone.

With that in mind, he rallied American allies at the Group of Seven meetings of wealthy democracies and treaty partners at NATO, before his sit-down with Putin.

The sequencing was as much strategy as it was symbolism, with the unified-front posture with allies meant to bolster Biden's position regarding Russia. It also drove momentum behind the U.S.' ongoing showdown with China over trade, security and health policy, as Biden secured tough language on China, both in the G-7 leaders' communique and from NATO countries in their joint statement.

Mad, but don't call it a new cold war 
 
In the wake of a series of disruptive cyberattacks that have emanated from Russia, Biden pressed Putin to curtail criminal and state-sponsored activity from his country by warning of American digital firepower and his willingness to deploy it.

Saying he gave Putin a list of 16 critical infrastructure" sectors, from the energy industry to water systems, Biden said the leaders agreed to task experts to work on specific understandings about what's off-limits in this new domain.

Even as Biden said of Putin, I think that the last thing he wants now is a Cold War, the American president embraced a defining characteristic of that era: deterrence.

Biden said he broached with Putin and his top advisers the possibility of a cyberattack taking down one of their oil pipelines and the devastating impact it could have on their energy-dependent economy.

Biden said Putin was well aware that the US&nbsp;has the significant cyber capability. He doesn't know exactly what it is, but it's significant, and if in fact, they violate these basic norms, we will respond, he knows, in a cyber way.

Domestic tensions cloud global talks 
 
After four years of America First under Trump, Biden set out to show the world that America is back, but lingering domestic instability cast a long shadow overseas.

Whether it be the last president's temperament and isolationist policies or the months of efforts to undermine the 2020 election and the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection, the tumult of the last four years remains a fresh and raw memory for allies and adversaries alike.

Biden's actions and public comments showed the lengths to which he felt he needed to go to reassure allies that the U.S. could be a credible leader on the world stage.

They have seen things happen, as we have, that shocked them and surprised them, Biden said Monday of American allies. But I think they like I do, believe the American people are not going to sustain that kind of behaviour.

Even if allies were convinced, it was clear that adversaries were unwilling to forget so soon.

In his news conference following his meeting with Biden, Putin repeatedly deflected from his own deadly crackdowns on political dissenters with familiar but now more potent whataboutisms, by pointing to the Capitol assault and Black Lives Matter protests against racial injustice and police brutality in the U.S. last year.

Biden called it a ridiculous comparison, though it was clear some damage couldn't be swiftly undone.

President Joe Biden's first overseas trip put his diplomatic and negotiating philosophy on display, as he rallied traditional US democratic allies to confront new and old challenges and offered an often rosy take on the possibilities of cooperation with Russian President Vladimir Putin after a one-on-one summit.

President Joe Biden's first overseas trip put his diplomatic and negotiating philosophy on display, as he rallied traditional US democratic allies to confront new and old challenges and offered an often rosy take on the possibilities of cooperation with Russian President Vladimir Putin after a one-on-one summit. Read: Blow-by-blow account of Putin-Biden summit Here are some key takeaways: A reset they didn't call a reset Biden and Putin did not use the word reset to describe the state of relations between the two nations after their summit in Switzerland. But that's what the meeting amounted to, with both men staking out clear areas of disagreement, even as they pointed to smaller-scale areas where they could cooperate. Pictures: 'Stone face, rare eye contact'- Biden and Putin's historic summit They conveyed both mutual respect and mutual scepticism. It was an abrupt return to more conventional U.S.-Russia framing after the presidency of Donald Trump, who often seemed to elevate Putin and create at least the aspiration that the countries could be more like partners. This time, each leader left with the understanding that some of the old rules still apply. Russia returns to its place as a worthy adversary," as Biden put it, rather than some kind of colleague. And the longer-standing tensions, over cyber warfare and human rights, remain. The art of the face After their three-hour meeting, Biden's sunny disposition stood in sharp contrast to the more sober, taciturn tone of Putin, who at times became defensive when asked questions by reporters about human rights violations in Russia and the country's invasion of Ukraine. Even so, Biden acknowledged his optimism was more wishful thinking than reality. I'm going to drive you all crazy because I know you want me to always put a negative thrust on things, particularly in public, he said shortly before boarding Air Force One, adding, that way, you guarantee nothing happens. It highlighted the president's negotiating style, whether it be with Putin or with Senate Republicans at home on infrastructure in which he publicly expresses his belief that a deal can be struck despite often overwhelming odds. I know we make foreign policy out to be this great, great skill that somehow is sort of like a secret code," Biden said. "All foreign policy is a logical extension of personal relationships. It's the way human nature functions." He later added, There's a value to being realistic and to put on an optimistic front, an optimistic face." .... And the face-to-face Biden's eight-day, three-country foreign trip demonstrated his emphasis on personal relationships above all. There's no substitute, as those of you who have covered me for a while now, for face-to-face dialogue between leaders. None, Biden said, declaring his summit with Putin a success simply for the fact that they spoke in person. Throughout his trip, most of Biden's meetings were conducted in private, without cameras, or with only a few moments open to media. It highlighted Biden's faith in intangible personal ties that can drive policy outcomes, both foreign and domestic. And it marked a clear departure in style from Trump, whose freewheeling public meetings with global leaders became something of a legend on the international stage. Relationships tended to flow one way with obsequious public displays by heads of state and government trying to get on Trump's good side. Biden is banking that those leaders will welcome a return to the old school approach. With a little help from my friends Before leaving Washington, Biden reasserted his view that democracies are in a generational confrontation with autocratic governments and that the U.S. can't hope to prevail if it stands alone. With that in mind, he rallied American allies at the Group of Seven meetings of wealthy democracies and treaty partners at NATO, before his sit-down with Putin. The sequencing was as much strategy as it was symbolism, with the unified-front posture with allies meant to bolster Biden's position regarding Russia. It also drove momentum behind the U.S.' ongoing showdown with China over trade, security and health policy, as Biden secured tough language on China, both in the G-7 leaders' communique and from NATO countries in their joint statement. Mad, but don't call it a new cold war In the wake of a series of disruptive cyberattacks that have emanated from Russia, Biden pressed Putin to curtail criminal and state-sponsored activity from his country by warning of American digital firepower and his willingness to deploy it. Saying he gave Putin a list of 16 critical infrastructure" sectors, from the energy industry to water systems, Biden said the leaders agreed to task experts to work on specific understandings about what's off-limits in this new domain. Even as Biden said of Putin, I think that the last thing he wants now is a Cold War, the American president embraced a defining characteristic of that era: deterrence. Biden said he broached with Putin and his top advisers the possibility of a cyberattack taking down one of their oil pipelines and the devastating impact it could have on their energy-dependent economy. Biden said Putin was well aware that the US has the significant cyber capability. He doesn't know exactly what it is, but it's significant, and if in fact, they violate these basic norms, we will respond, he knows, in a cyber way. Domestic tensions cloud global talks After four years of America First under Trump, Biden set out to show the world that America is back, but lingering domestic instability cast a long shadow overseas. Whether it be the last president's temperament and isolationist policies or the months of efforts to undermine the 2020 election and the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection, the tumult of the last four years remains a fresh and raw memory for allies and adversaries alike. Biden's actions and public comments showed the lengths to which he felt he needed to go to reassure allies that the U.S. could be a credible leader on the world stage. They have seen things happen, as we have, that shocked them and surprised them, Biden said Monday of American allies. But I think they like I do, believe the American people are not going to sustain that kind of behaviour. Even if allies were convinced, it was clear that adversaries were unwilling to forget so soon. In his news conference following his meeting with Biden, Putin repeatedly deflected from his own deadly crackdowns on political dissenters with familiar but now more potent whataboutisms, by pointing to the Capitol assault and Black Lives Matter protests against racial injustice and police brutality in the U.S. last year. Biden called it a ridiculous comparison, though it was clear some damage couldn't be swiftly undone.

Biden-Putin summit takeaways: Respect, optimism, and some scepticism

Welcoming US&nbsp;President Joe Biden's tough&nbsp;message&nbsp;when he met President Vladimir Putin this week,&nbsp;Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba&nbsp;said now was the time to make Russia withdraw from Ukraine.

In the first high-level Ukrainian government reaction since the Biden-Putin summit in Geneva on Wednesday, Kuleba said&nbsp;that the talks had not caused any concern for Kyiv.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/day-after-putin-biden-summit-kremlin-says-ukraine-joining-nato-would-be-a-red-line-for-russia-392182" hreflang="en">Ukraine joining NATO will be a 'red line' for Russia: Kremlin</a>

"This summit demonstrated that America is back, and now it's time to make Russia pull back from Ukraine," Kuleba said in an interview, adding that Moscow has no power of veto over Ukraine's accession to NATO.

Kyiv had been wary of the prospect of Biden and Putin cutting a deal about Ukraine's future without it being present at the table.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told Reuters this week he had received reassurances from Biden that Ukraine would not be used as a bargaining tool. But Zelenskiy added that there was "a little scepticism" about whether the Biden-Putin summit would benefit Ukraine.

Zelenskiy has urged NATO members to accelerate Ukraine's entry into the alliance after a standoff with Russia this year that saw Russia mass additional troops and military equipment near Ukraine's borders.

The Kremlin said on Thursday that this would be a 'red line' for Russia.

"President Putin saw... no invitation to bargain from the United States on the Ukrainian matter," Kuleba said. "And this is a matter of principle because we agreed with the United States that no deals on Ukraine will be made without Ukraine, and America kept its promise."

Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine in 2014 and its support for pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine are among a number of factors that have badly strained relations between Russia and the United States in recent years.

(With inputs from agencies)

Welcoming US President Joe Biden's tough message when he met President Vladimir Putin this week, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said now was the time to make Russia withdraw from Ukraine.

Welcoming US President Joe Biden's tough message when he met President Vladimir Putin this week, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said now was the time to make Russia withdraw from Ukraine. In the first high-level Ukrainian government reaction since the Biden-Putin summit in Geneva on Wednesday, Kuleba said that the talks had not caused any concern for Kyiv. Also read| Ukraine joining NATO will be a 'red line' for Russia: Kremlin "This summit demonstrated that America is back, and now it's time to make Russia pull back from Ukraine," Kuleba said in an interview, adding that Moscow has no power of veto over Ukraine's accession to NATO. Kyiv had been wary of the prospect of Biden and Putin cutting a deal about Ukraine's future without it being present at the table. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told Reuters this week he had received reassurances from Biden that Ukraine would not be used as a bargaining tool. But Zelenskiy added that there was "a little scepticism" about whether the Biden-Putin summit would benefit Ukraine. Zelenskiy has urged NATO members to accelerate Ukraine's entry into the alliance after a standoff with Russia this year that saw Russia mass additional troops and military equipment near Ukraine's borders. The Kremlin said on Thursday that this would be a 'red line' for Russia. "President Putin saw... no invitation to bargain from the United States on the Ukrainian matter," Kuleba said. "And this is a matter of principle because we agreed with the United States that no deals on Ukraine will be made without Ukraine, and America kept its promise." Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine in 2014 and its support for pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine are among a number of factors that have badly strained relations between Russia and the United States in recent years. (With inputs from agencies)

Now it's time to make Russia pull back from Ukraine, says Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba

As the US President Joe Biden met with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in a historic summit in Geneva, Osama Bin Laden’s niece waved a "Trump won" flag.

Videos on social media showed &nbsp;34-year-old Noor bin Laden standing in a boat in Geneva Lake, Switzerland with a blue flag supporting former US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump.</a>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://t.co/TXk0acVQqi">pic.twitter.com/TXk0acVQqi</a>
— Noor Bin Ladin (@NoorBinLadin) <a href="https://twitter.com/NoorBinLadin/status/1404864935650369537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The niece of the 9/11 mastermind believes the former president won the US election 2020, not&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, and wants the former reality TV star to return to the White House.

She claimed the local police confiscated her signboards. "You're going to arrest me? If I don’t give you the signs, you’re going to arrest me?" she was seen asking the police officers in the video. "Donald Trump won the 2020 election, and we’re not allowed here in Switzerland?"

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/read-watch-blow-by-blow-account-of-biden-putin-summit-391919" hreflang="en">Read &amp; Watch: Blow-by-blow account of Biden-Putin summit</a>

Noor Bin laden claims to be a staunch supporter of Trump since his early days in politics in 2015 and admire “this man’s resolve". She also believes the re-election of Trump is "vital for the future of not only America, but Western civilisation as a whole."

As the US President Joe Biden met with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in a historic summit in Geneva, Osama Bin Laden’s niece waved a "Trump won" flag. Videos on social media showed 34-year-old Noor bin Laden standing in a boat in Geneva Lake, Switzerland with a blue flag supporting former US President Donald Trump.

As the US President Joe Biden met with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in a historic summit in Geneva, Osama Bin Laden’s niece waved a "Trump won" flag. Videos on social media showed 34-year-old Noor bin Laden standing in a boat in Geneva Lake, Switzerland with a blue flag supporting former US President Donald Trump. pic.twitter.com/TXk0acVQqi — Noor Bin Ladin (@NoorBinLadin) June 15, 2021 × The niece of the 9/11 mastermind believes the former president won the US election 2020, not Joe Biden, and wants the former reality TV star to return to the White House. She claimed the local police confiscated her signboards. "You're going to arrest me? If I don’t give you the signs, you’re going to arrest me?" she was seen asking the police officers in the video. "Donald Trump won the 2020 election, and we’re not allowed here in Switzerland?" Also read | Read & Watch: Blow-by-blow account of Biden-Putin summit Noor Bin laden claims to be a staunch supporter of Trump since his early days in politics in 2015 and admire “this man’s resolve". She also believes the re-election of Trump is "vital for the future of not only America, but Western civilisation as a whole."

Osama Bin Laden's niece voices support for Trump during Biden-Putin summit

US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin met at Geneva for the much-awaited summit talks on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-calls-discussions-with-biden-fruitful-constructive-during-post-summit-press-conference-392034/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

After meeting for over three and half hours, the two leaders addressed a press conference separately.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/highlights-will-not-tolerate-violence-of-democratic-sovereignty-biden-tells-putin-391919">Read: Blow-by-blow account of Putin-Biden summit</a>

The Russian president was the first to address reporters as he informed that a possible prisoner swap with the US was likely&nbsp;and it was discussed with President Biden and that "compromises" may be possible.

The Russian president informed that the two leaders had agreed their ambassadors should return to their respective positions in each other's capital although he added that the timeline is yet to be decided.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/highlights-stone-face-rare-eye-contact-biden-and-putins-historic-summit-391948">Pics: 'Stone face, rare eye contact'- Biden and Putin's historic summit</a>

Putin said Russia and the US had agreed to "consultations on cybersecurity".

"Russia faces the same cyberthreats as the US, including attacks on the Russian healthcare system," Putin said.

However, Biden told the Russian president that critical infrastructure must be "off-limits" to cyberattacks.

On the question of trade relations, Putin said "all depends on the US, we did not introduce restrictions."

The Russian president compared Russia's jailing of political opponents to the arrests of rioters during the US capitol January 6 attacks.

On the question of human rights, Putin brought up Iraq, Guantanamo Bay, Abu Ghraib, gun violence as "evidence" of US human rights failures.

"In American cities, people are killed every day. Let’s talk about Afghanistan - one bombing and 120 people are killed, clearly civilians," the Russian president told reporters.

“Who bears responsibility for this, who’s the killer?”

On Russian opposition leader Navalny, Putin said: "Navalny knew he was violating the law when he did not report about his whereabouts as he returned to Russia after treatment."

"Navalny came back to Russia because he wanted to break the law, so what discussion should we have?"

Biden while addressing reporters said he told the Russian president that he will "not tolerate" interference&nbsp;in US democracy while declaring that the "last thing he wants now is a Cold War".

The US President said Putin had made "ridiculous" comparisons on human rights.

Biden reacted sharply to Putin's remark on the US Capitol riots on January 6, saying: "That's a ridiculous comparison. It's one thing for literally criminals to break through a cordon, go into the Capitol, kill a police officer and be held accountable, than it is for people objecting, marching on the Capitol and saying you are not allowing me to speak freely."

US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin met at Geneva for the much-awaited summit talks on Wednesday. Watch: After meeting for over three and half hours, the two leaders addressed a press conference separately.

US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin met at Geneva for the much-awaited summit talks on Wednesday. Watch: After meeting for over three and half hours, the two leaders addressed a press conference separately. Read: Blow-by-blow account of Putin-Biden summit The Russian president was the first to address reporters as he informed that a possible prisoner swap with the US was likely and it was discussed with President Biden and that "compromises" may be possible. The Russian president informed that the two leaders had agreed their ambassadors should return to their respective positions in each other's capital although he added that the timeline is yet to be decided. Pics: 'Stone face, rare eye contact'- Biden and Putin's historic summit Putin said Russia and the US had agreed to "consultations on cybersecurity". "Russia faces the same cyberthreats as the US, including attacks on the Russian healthcare system," Putin said. However, Biden told the Russian president that critical infrastructure must be "off-limits" to cyberattacks. On the question of trade relations, Putin said "all depends on the US, we did not introduce restrictions." The Russian president compared Russia's jailing of political opponents to the arrests of rioters during the US capitol January 6 attacks. On the question of human rights, Putin brought up Iraq, Guantanamo Bay, Abu Ghraib, gun violence as "evidence" of US human rights failures. "In American cities, people are killed every day. Let’s talk about Afghanistan - one bombing and 120 people are killed, clearly civilians," the Russian president told reporters. “Who bears responsibility for this, who’s the killer?” On Russian opposition leader Navalny, Putin said: "Navalny knew he was violating the law when he did not report about his whereabouts as he returned to Russia after treatment." "Navalny came back to Russia because he wanted to break the law, so what discussion should we have?" Biden while addressing reporters said he told the Russian president that he will "not tolerate" interference in US democracy while declaring that the "last thing he wants now is a Cold War". The US President said Putin had made "ridiculous" comparisons on human rights. Biden reacted sharply to Putin's remark on the US Capitol riots on January 6, saying: "That's a ridiculous comparison. It's one thing for literally criminals to break through a cordon, go into the Capitol, kill a police officer and be held accountable, than it is for people objecting, marching on the Capitol and saying you are not allowing me to speak freely."

Biden discusses human rights, cyberattacks with Putin in Geneva

US President Joe Biden arrived in Geneva on Tuesday ahead of his long-awaited summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"I'm always ready," Biden said as he touched down in the Swiss city with&nbsp;the two leaders set to meet at a villa complex in Geneva on Wednesday.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-5-us-russia-presidential-meetings-that-shaped-history-391734/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Biden is set to discuss a series of controversial issues including alleged cyberattacks on US entities, the reported Russian meddling in US elections, aggression against Ukraine, the Navalny row, among others.

Biden proposed the summit in April, however, Kremlin had downplayed expectations as it announced the summit between the two world leaders.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/no-vladimir-youre-cold-blooded-said-a-us-president-391713">In Pics:&nbsp;No, Vladimir, you're cold-blooded, said a US president</a>

Biden flew to Geneva after his high profile meeting with the G7 leaders and NATO meetings. There will be no joint press conferences between Putin and Biden which had taken place earlier when Trump had met the Russian leader.

Russia and US relations have hit new lows in recent years with the former Trump administration imposing sanctions on Russia and lack of progress of arms control.

The talks between Biden and Putin at the La Grange villa are expected to start at around 1:00 pm(local time) (1100 GMT) and is set to last for hours with heavy security deployment at the Swiss lakeside city.

The two leaders are not expected to share meals and will hold&nbsp;separate news conferences, according to reports.

Biden and Putin and Putin will be accompanied by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden arrived in Geneva on Tuesday ahead of his long-awaited summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "I'm always ready," Biden said as he touched down in the Swiss city with the two leaders set to meet at a villa complex in Geneva on Wednesday.

US President Joe Biden arrived in Geneva on Tuesday ahead of his long-awaited summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "I'm always ready," Biden said as he touched down in the Swiss city with the two leaders set to meet at a villa complex in Geneva on Wednesday. Watch: Biden is set to discuss a series of controversial issues including alleged cyberattacks on US entities, the reported Russian meddling in US elections, aggression against Ukraine, the Navalny row, among others. Biden proposed the summit in April, however, Kremlin had downplayed expectations as it announced the summit between the two world leaders. In Pics: No, Vladimir, you're cold-blooded, said a US president Biden flew to Geneva after his high profile meeting with the G7 leaders and NATO meetings. There will be no joint press conferences between Putin and Biden which had taken place earlier when Trump had met the Russian leader. Russia and US relations have hit new lows in recent years with the former Trump administration imposing sanctions on Russia and lack of progress of arms control. The talks between Biden and Putin at the La Grange villa are expected to start at around 1:00 pm(local time) (1100 GMT) and is set to last for hours with heavy security deployment at the Swiss lakeside city. The two leaders are not expected to share meals and will hold separate news conferences, according to reports. Biden and Putin and Putin will be accompanied by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov. (With inputs from Agencies)

'I'm always ready': Biden arrives in Geneva ahead of summit with Putin

US President met Russian President Vladimir <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/always-better-to-meet-face-to-face-biden-tells-putin-at-geneva-summit-391892">Putin</a> as the two world leaders sat down to hold lengthy discussions on a range of issues on Wednesday at the picturesque villa in Geneva.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-putin-face-off-in-villa-la-grange-in-geneva-391917/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Biden set the tone of the meeting, saying: "We try to determine where we have mutual interests and cooperate and where we don't, establish a predictable and rational way in which we disagree."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-blog-us-president-joe-biden-russian-president-vladimir-putin-hold-historic-summit-in-geneva-391919">Biden-Putin summit updates</a>

Both leaders looked ready and relaxed to discuss matters as the summit&nbsp;began with Putin asserting that issues needed to be discussed while hoping for a "productive" meeting.

"I know that you have been on a long trip and had a lot of work, still the US-Russian relations have a lot of issues accumulated that require meetings at the highest level," Putin told Biden as both leaders shook hands to start the meeting.

<img alt="Biden-Putin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79d461f5-4a60-4e69-b7f5-deca7e7e0ca5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/9_0.jpg" />

Putin arrived directly for the meeting amid tight security as his motorcade made its way through the Swiss city. The US president had arrived a day earlier for the summit.

"I'm not looking for conflict," Biden had said earlier, while adding,"we will respond if Russia continues its harmful activities".

US President met Russian President Vladimir Putin as the two world leaders sat down to hold lengthy discussions on a range of issues on Wednesday at the picturesque villa in Geneva.

US President met Russian President Vladimir Putin as the two world leaders sat down to hold lengthy discussions on a range of issues on Wednesday at the picturesque villa in Geneva. Watch: Biden set the tone of the meeting, saying: "We try to determine where we have mutual interests and cooperate and where we don't, establish a predictable and rational way in which we disagree." Biden-Putin summit updates Both leaders looked ready and relaxed to discuss matters as the summit began with Putin asserting that issues needed to be discussed while hoping for a "productive" meeting. "I know that you have been on a long trip and had a lot of work, still the US-Russian relations have a lot of issues accumulated that require meetings at the highest level," Putin told Biden as both leaders shook hands to start the meeting. Putin arrived directly for the meeting amid tight security as his motorcade made its way through the Swiss city. The US president had arrived a day earlier for the summit. "I'm not looking for conflict," Biden had said earlier, while adding,"we will respond if Russia continues its harmful activities".

Biden seeks 'mutual interests' & 'rational way' with Putin

President Vladimir Putin has renewed an offer to swap prisoners as he is holding his first summit Wednesday with Joe Biden, who has come under growing pressure to win the release of Americans from Russian jails.

Biden, who has vowed a clear-eyed, tougher approach with Putin than his predecessors at the start of their terms, has already made clear that he will raise the fate of jailed Americans when he meets the Russian leader in Geneva.

Here are some of the individuals who could be freed if such a swap was agreed upon.

PAUL WHELAN, 51

Washington has demanded the release of Paul Whelan, a former US&nbsp;Marine convicted of espionage last June and sentenced to 16 years in jail. Whelan has denied spying and says he was set up in a sting operation.

Moscow said that Whelan, who holds US, British, Canadian, and Irish passports, had been caught red-handed with classified information in a Moscow hotel room where agents from the Federal Security Service detained him on Dec. 28, 2018.

Whelan said he was in Russia for a wedding and on holiday and set up by a Russian man he thought was a friend.

Whelan, who is being held in a high-security prison eight hours drive from Moscow, denounced the proceedings against him last June as a "sham trial". Russia has sent mixed signals as to whether it would be ready to free him in a deal.

TREVOR REED, 29

The United States has criticised the trial of Trevor Reed, another former US&nbsp;Marine jailed for nine years last July, as the "theater of the absurd" and lacking serious evidence.

Russia convicted Reed, a student at the University of North Texas, of endangering the lives of two police officers who had detained him in August 2019 when he grabbed an officer who was behind the wheel of a car, causing the vehicle to swerve dangerously.

Reed said he could not remember the events because he was drunk when detained after leaving a party in Moscow, but denied the charge in court after hearing what he said was the flimsy evidence presented during the trial and the investigation's failure to obtain video evidence that could prove his innocence.

In comments which upset his family, Putin, in an NBC interview before the summit, described Reed as "a drunk" and "a troublemaker."

"As they say here, he got himself shitfaced and started a fight. Among other things, he hit a cop," said Putin.

VIKTOR BOUT, 54

The United States is holding Viktor Bout, a Russian arms trafficker serving a 25-year prison sentence for plotting to sell missiles to people he thought were Colombian rebels.

Bout, subject of a book called “Merchant of Death” and inspiration for a film “Lord of War” starring Nicolas Cage, was arrested in Thailand in 2008.

US&nbsp;authorities said he had agreed to sell arms to US&nbsp;undercover agents posing as Colombian guerrillas planning to attack American soldiers.

Bout, who protested his innocence, was convicted in 2011 and Russia has long sought his release.

He is now in a prison in Marion, Illinois, and only eligible for release in January 2030.

KONSTANTIN YAROSHENKO, 52

Russia has long urged Washington to release pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko, who is serving 20 years in the United States for conspiracy to smuggle cocaine into the country. He was arrested in Liberia in 2010 in a DEA sting operation and flown to the United States.

Moscow has portrayed Yaroshenko, who says he is innocent, as the victim of an illegal kidnapping by Washington.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov in 2019 called for Yaroshenko to be freed in exchange for "an American or Americans who are serving their sentence here."

Putin, in his pre-summit NBC interview, mentioned Yaroshenko.

"Our pilot Yaroshenko has been in prison in the US&nbsp;for ... I don't know how many years,&nbsp;15, maybe&nbsp;20&nbsp;years. And there also the problem seems to be a common crime. If the US&nbsp;side is prepared to discuss it, so are we."

(With inputs from agencies)

President Vladimir Putin has renewed an offer to swap prisoners as he is holding his first summit Wednesday with Joe Biden, who has come under growing pressure to win the release of Americans from Russian jails.

President Vladimir Putin has renewed an offer to swap prisoners as he is holding his first summit Wednesday with Joe Biden, who has come under growing pressure to win the release of Americans from Russian jails. Biden, who has vowed a clear-eyed, tougher approach with Putin than his predecessors at the start of their terms, has already made clear that he will raise the fate of jailed Americans when he meets the Russian leader in Geneva. Here are some of the individuals who could be freed if such a swap was agreed upon. PAUL WHELAN, 51 Washington has demanded the release of Paul Whelan, a former US Marine convicted of espionage last June and sentenced to 16 years in jail. Whelan has denied spying and says he was set up in a sting operation. Moscow said that Whelan, who holds US, British, Canadian, and Irish passports, had been caught red-handed with classified information in a Moscow hotel room where agents from the Federal Security Service detained him on Dec. 28, 2018. Whelan said he was in Russia for a wedding and on holiday and set up by a Russian man he thought was a friend. Whelan, who is being held in a high-security prison eight hours drive from Moscow, denounced the proceedings against him last June as a "sham trial". Russia has sent mixed signals as to whether it would be ready to free him in a deal. TREVOR REED, 29 The United States has criticised the trial of Trevor Reed, another former US Marine jailed for nine years last July, as the "theater of the absurd" and lacking serious evidence. Russia convicted Reed, a student at the University of North Texas, of endangering the lives of two police officers who had detained him in August 2019 when he grabbed an officer who was behind the wheel of a car, causing the vehicle to swerve dangerously. Reed said he could not remember the events because he was drunk when detained after leaving a party in Moscow, but denied the charge in court after hearing what he said was the flimsy evidence presented during the trial and the investigation's failure to obtain video evidence that could prove his innocence. In comments which upset his family, Putin, in an NBC interview before the summit, described Reed as "a drunk" and "a troublemaker." "As they say here, he got himself shitfaced and started a fight. Among other things, he hit a cop," said Putin. VIKTOR BOUT, 54 The United States is holding Viktor Bout, a Russian arms trafficker serving a 25-year prison sentence for plotting to sell missiles to people he thought were Colombian rebels. Bout, subject of a book called “Merchant of Death” and inspiration for a film “Lord of War” starring Nicolas Cage, was arrested in Thailand in 2008. US authorities said he had agreed to sell arms to US undercover agents posing as Colombian guerrillas planning to attack American soldiers. Bout, who protested his innocence, was convicted in 2011 and Russia has long sought his release. He is now in a prison in Marion, Illinois, and only eligible for release in January 2030. KONSTANTIN YAROSHENKO, 52 Russia has long urged Washington to release pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko, who is serving 20 years in the United States for conspiracy to smuggle cocaine into the country. He was arrested in Liberia in 2010 in a DEA sting operation and flown to the United States. Moscow has portrayed Yaroshenko, who says he is innocent, as the victim of an illegal kidnapping by Washington. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov in 2019 called for Yaroshenko to be freed in exchange for "an American or Americans who are serving their sentence here." Putin, in his pre-summit NBC interview, mentioned Yaroshenko. "Our pilot Yaroshenko has been in prison in the US for ... I don't know how many years, 15, maybe 20 years. And there also the problem seems to be a common crime. If the US side is prepared to discuss it, so are we." (With inputs from agencies)

These prisoners are likely to walk free if Biden-Putin agree exchange deal

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky Monday said US President Joe Biden should have met him before his high-profile summit with Russia's Vladimir Putin as they could resolve nothing on Ukraine without Kiev at the table.

The 43-year-old leader spoke to journalists as the US and Russian presidents prepare to hold their first summit meeting in Geneva on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"It would be better to have this meeting before the summit of the two presidents," Zelensky said in an interview.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-historic-18th-century-lakeside-villa-has-been-spruced-up-for-biden-putin-talks-391352" hreflang="en">18th-century lakeside Swiss villa has been spruced up for Biden-Putin talks</a>

Zelenskiy said he received assurances that Biden would not use Ukraine as a bargaining tool in his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week.

He called on the United States to provide economic support to Ukraine and urged both Biden and the International Monetary Fund to be understanding of Ukraine's problems before placing "unfair" reform demands on his presidency.

"If we are talking about NATO and the MAP, I would really like to get (from Biden) specifics - yes or no," Zelenskiy said, referring to the Membership Action Plans given to candidate countries, which Ukraine has long sought. "We must get clear dates and the likelihood of this for Ukraine."

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/putin-biden-summit-when-russia-us-leaders-talked-politics-391423" hreflang="en">Putin-Biden Summit: When Russia, US leaders talked politics</a>

Zelenskiy was speaking on the same day as NATO members met for a one-day summit in Brussels. Ukraine has expressed disappointment in not being invited to the meeting.

Zelenskiy has urged NATO members to accelerate Ukraine's entry into the alliance after a standoff with Russia this year that saw Russia mass additional troops and military equipment near Ukraine's borders.

"Every day we prove that we are ready to be in the alliance more than most of the countries of the European Union," he said.

Zelenskiy said most of Russia's troops had yet to withdraw, and that Russia was dragging its feet on facilitating a meeting with Putin for no clear reason. About 11,000 troops had left and 95,000 remained, he estimated.

Biden and Zelenskiy spoke by phone last week ahead of Biden's summit with Putin in Geneva on Wednesday.

Zelenskiy was finally granted a long-sought for invitation to the White House in July though he said he regretted not being able to meet Biden in person before Biden met Putin.

"He (Biden) said 'I will never trade ... Ukraine's interests'," Zelenskiy said.

Zelenskiy said Ukraine had done everything necessary to earn a NATO membership plan, which Ukraine sees as a vital deterrent against Russia but Moscow fiercely opposes.

He expects Ukraine to secure a much-delayed IMF tranche to be disbursed by the autumn though added that Ukraine could still "live normally" without one.

Zelenskiy said an eventual meeting with Putin was "inevitable". He did not rule out another flare-up in the coming months though in his assessment Russia was not looking to provoke a "full-scale war".

Ukraine has fought Russian-backed forces in a conflict in the eastern Donbass region that Kyiv says has killed 14,000 people since 2014.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky Monday said US President Joe Biden should have met him before his high-profile summit with Russia's Vladimir Putin as they could resolve nothing on Ukraine without Kiev at the table.

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky Monday said US President Joe Biden should have met him before his high-profile summit with Russia's Vladimir Putin as they could resolve nothing on Ukraine without Kiev at the table. The 43-year-old leader spoke to journalists as the US and Russian presidents prepare to hold their first summit meeting in Geneva on Wednesday. "It would be better to have this meeting before the summit of the two presidents," Zelensky said in an interview. Also read| 18th-century lakeside Swiss villa has been spruced up for Biden-Putin talks Zelenskiy said he received assurances that Biden would not use Ukraine as a bargaining tool in his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week. He called on the United States to provide economic support to Ukraine and urged both Biden and the International Monetary Fund to be understanding of Ukraine's problems before placing "unfair" reform demands on his presidency. "If we are talking about NATO and the MAP, I would really like to get (from Biden) specifics - yes or no," Zelenskiy said, referring to the Membership Action Plans given to candidate countries, which Ukraine has long sought. "We must get clear dates and the likelihood of this for Ukraine." Also see| Putin-Biden Summit: When Russia, US leaders talked politics Zelenskiy was speaking on the same day as NATO members met for a one-day summit in Brussels. Ukraine has expressed disappointment in not being invited to the meeting. Zelenskiy has urged NATO members to accelerate Ukraine's entry into the alliance after a standoff with Russia this year that saw Russia mass additional troops and military equipment near Ukraine's borders. "Every day we prove that we are ready to be in the alliance more than most of the countries of the European Union," he said. Zelenskiy said most of Russia's troops had yet to withdraw, and that Russia was dragging its feet on facilitating a meeting with Putin for no clear reason. About 11,000 troops had left and 95,000 remained, he estimated. Biden and Zelenskiy spoke by phone last week ahead of Biden's summit with Putin in Geneva on Wednesday. Zelenskiy was finally granted a long-sought for invitation to the White House in July though he said he regretted not being able to meet Biden in person before Biden met Putin. "He (Biden) said 'I will never trade ... Ukraine's interests'," Zelenskiy said. Zelenskiy said Ukraine had done everything necessary to earn a NATO membership plan, which Ukraine sees as a vital deterrent against Russia but Moscow fiercely opposes. He expects Ukraine to secure a much-delayed IMF tranche to be disbursed by the autumn though added that Ukraine could still "live normally" without one. Zelenskiy said an eventual meeting with Putin was "inevitable". He did not rule out another flare-up in the coming months though in his assessment Russia was not looking to provoke a "full-scale war". Ukraine has fought Russian-backed forces in a conflict in the eastern Donbass region that Kyiv says has killed 14,000 people since 2014. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Zelenskiy says Biden should have met him before Putin summit

Russia said today it did not expect "reset" of ties after the announcement of Biden-Putin summit in Geneva next month.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-prez-putin-warns-to-knock-out-teeth-of-adversaries-386586/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there was "excessive expectations" while adding that the summit was an important step.&nbsp;

President Biden and Russian President Putin are set to meet in Geneva on June 16.

US and Russia relations have hit new lows in the past few years with accusation of meddling in US elections. US authorities had earlier accused Russians of hacking into a tech company SolarWinds Corp to penetrate government networks.

The arrest of Russian leader Navalny has further strained relations between the two countries even as White House spokesperson Psaki said the US president will be raising the issue of Belarus&nbsp;led by Lukashenko who had forced&nbsp;a plane to land on Sunday in Minsk while detaining a dissident journalist.

Jen Psaki said the US president would seek to &nbsp;discuss "the full range of pressing issues" to &nbsp;restore "predictability and stability to the US-Russia relationship."

The Russian government had added earlier that the two leaders would discuss bilateral ties including strategic nuclear stability among other issues.

The Biden administration had earlier imposed sanctions on Russia over Moscow's alleged interference in the 2020 US election including cyber hacking and over the Ukraine crisis.

Russia said today it did not expect "reset" of ties after the announcement of Biden-Putin summit in Geneva next month. Watch: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there was "excessive expectations" while adding that the summit was an important step.

Russia said today it did not expect "reset" of ties after the announcement of Biden-Putin summit in Geneva next month. Watch: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there was "excessive expectations" while adding that the summit was an important step. President Biden and Russian President Putin are set to meet in Geneva on June 16. US and Russia relations have hit new lows in the past few years with accusation of meddling in US elections. US authorities had earlier accused Russians of hacking into a tech company SolarWinds Corp to penetrate government networks. The arrest of Russian leader Navalny has further strained relations between the two countries even as White House spokesperson Psaki said the US president will be raising the issue of Belarus led by Lukashenko who had forced a plane to land on Sunday in Minsk while detaining a dissident journalist. Jen Psaki said the US president would seek to discuss "the full range of pressing issues" to restore "predictability and stability to the US-Russia relationship." The Russian government had added earlier that the two leaders would discuss bilateral ties including strategic nuclear stability among other issues. The Biden administration had earlier imposed sanctions on Russia over Moscow's alleged interference in the 2020 US election including cyber hacking and over the Ukraine crisis.

Excessive expectations over Biden-Putin summit: Kremlin