TODAY: Biden Speaks With Putin At Putin’s Request

CNN reports:

President Joe Biden will hold a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday afternoon “to discuss a range of topics, including upcoming diplomatic engagements with Russia,” National Security Council spokesperson Emily Horne told CNN.

The call was requested by Putin, according to an administration official, and Biden accepted because “he believes when it comes to Russia there is no substitute for direct leader-leader dialogue.”

A senior administration official told reporters on Wednesday that while the US and its allies are committed to meaningful diplomacy with Russia, “we are also prepared to respond” with harsh, coordinated sanctions if Russia advances with a further invasion of Ukraine.

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President Joe Biden will hold a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday afternoon “to discuss a range of topics, including upcoming diplomatic engagements with Russia” https://t.co/VAScRFDAn1

— CNN (@CNN) December 29, 2021