US-Russia ties nosedive after Biden-Putin tit-for-tat

Mar 19, 20210

Alexei Druzhinin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP count

Russian President Vladimir Putin applauds as he watches the launch of the Talas gold mining complex in the north-west of Kyrgyzstan, via video link at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, March 17, 2021.

MOSCOW - U.S.-Russia ties nosedived on Thursday after Russian leader Vladimir Putin shot back at President Joe Biden's description of him as a killer.

The back and forth underscored Biden's desire to distance himself from former President Donald Trump's perceived softness on Putin despite actions his administration took against Russia. Although Biden agreed to extend a major arms control deal with Russia, he has been notably cool toward Moscow and highly critical of many of its activities.

In taking a tough stance on Russia, Biden has said the days of the U.S. "rolling over" to Putin are done. And he has taken pains to contrast his style with the approach of Trump, who avoided direct confrontation and frequently spoke about Putin with approval.

https://www.startribune.com/us-russia-ties-nosedive-after-biden-putin-tit-for-tat/600035665/