What to see from Biden’s dialogue proposal and the Kremlin’s response

1. Biden’s dialogue proposal and the signal released by the talks between the presidents of the United States and France

On December 1 local time, the presidents of the United States and France held talks and released some signals on the Russia-Ukraine issue:

One is that Biden is ready for a dialogue with Putin. Since the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Biden has resisted dialogue with Putin. “I am ready to talk to Putin, but in consultation with NATO allies. I have no immediate plans to contact Mr. Putin. I will not act alone,” Biden said.

It is worth mentioning that Biden’s remarks at the press conference released an important signal, expressing for the first time his willingness to engage in dialogue and discussions with Putin on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Regarding this clear signal, Russia, which is already weak and passive, should also respond and cherish the rare opportunity to take advantage of the situation. If so, the conflict in Ukraine may usher in a certain turning point.

Unlike Biden, Macron has maintained communication with Putin. Macron previously stated that he would talk to Putin again after the trip, and warned not to cut off ties with Putin.

The second is to support Ukraine against Russia. Biden and Macron jointly stated that they will make Russia pay the price for its aggression in Ukraine. After meeting with Macron, Biden said: “France and the United States are bravely fighting back against Putin’s greedy ambitions of conquest” and “defending democratic values ​​and universal human rights.” Macron said he was confident the United States would continue to support Ukraine with more military and humanitarian assistance. Western powers are doing what they can to support Ukraine.

Now into winter, Ukraine has been hit by massive missile and drone attacks on an almost weekly basis, targeting the power, water and heating facilities of its cities. Meanwhile, Russia has accused the United States and NATO of playing a direct and dangerous role in the war, saying the United States has turned Ukraine into an existential threat that Russia cannot ignore.

The third is that the United States values ​​France. Biden warmly welcomed Macron and said: “France and the United States are confronting Putin’s ambitions.” Macron is the first national leader to pay a state visit to the United States after Biden took office.

“The alliance between our two countries remains vital to our defense,” Biden said. “The United States couldn’t find a better partner than France.” He also called France “our longest history in the cause of freedom.” ally and steadfast partner.”

Fourth, it will not force Ukraine to engage in peace talks with Russia. Biden said the U.S. “would never ask Ukraine to compromise” to end the war without the agreement of the Kyiv government. Macron promised at the White House press conference that he would not force the Kyiv government to negotiate peace with Russia against its will. “We will never press Ukraine to make compromises they cannot accept,” he said.

To sum up, the US-French summit meeting has already brought some important signals to the investment community. In the next step, we must listen to his words and watch his actions, which is very important for investment decisions.

2. Response from Kremlin

On December 2, Russian President’s Press Secretary Peskov quickly responded to Biden’s speech. The main contents include:

1. Consistency of opinion. One is willingness to contact. Peskov said: “Putin is still willing to engage in general.”; The second is an open attitude. “President Putin was, is and will be open to contacts and negotiations to ensure Russia’s interests,” Peskov said.

In addition, Peskov also pointed out: “Putin tried to start negotiations with the United States, NATO and the OSCE before the special military operation and prepared the corresponding text, but this move has not received a response.”

2. Resolutely resist the “assumptions” of the talks. Peskov emphasized: “If the US condition is ‘Putin withdraws from Ukraine’, the Kremlin is not ready to hold talks with the US.”

3. The issue of “Putin’s withdrawal of troops from Ukraine” can be taken as one of the contents of the talks, not a prerequisite. Peskov pointed out: “(Biden) believes that this (referring to Putin’s withdrawal of troops from Ukraine), and should be, is a manifestation of Putin’s readiness to negotiate.” “Of course, special military operations are underway,” Peskov said.

4. Proposed the most desirable way to realize Russia’s interests. “Of course, the most desirable way to achieve our interests is through peaceful diplomatic means,” Peskov said.

5. Point out the difficulties and obstacles. “The United States still does not recognize the new territories as part of the Russian Federation, which, of course, makes it more difficult to find some mutual basis, a basis for possible mutual discussions,” Peskov said.

“A fire at the gate of the city will bring disaster to the fish in the pond.” It is in the common interest of all countries to resolve the Ukrainian crisis through peaceful diplomatic means. Under the current situation, the top priority of all parties is to avoid the escalation and expansion of the crisis, persist in promoting peace talks, and control the spillover impact of the crisis. Based on this, the US-Russia summit meeting is imminent, and it has reached the critical moment of “negotiating if there are conditions, or creating conditions if there are no conditions”.

In short, Russia’s response was very timely, it also touched on the main issues, and expressed its main wishes and propositions. This is Russia’s principled position. It can be seen from this incident that the United States, Russia, and other parties are already thinking deeply, actively preparing related issues, asking for directions, and even meeting each other. Undoubtedly, efforts in this direction will constitute substantial benefits for the investment community. (Fortune Chinese website)

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Editor: Xu Xiaotong