The summit meeting of American President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin has succeeded in firmly establishing, at least partially, the present-day state of affairs in international politics and in bilateral relations between Washington and Moscow. Though there is a huge gap in how two countries look at the world, global security calls for a mutual dialogue.
Such was the opinion of Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the chief of the presidential office, about the meeting of the presidents of the United States and the Russian Federation on June 16, in Geneva.
For the American President, the Geneva summit was the platform where he could announce his fundamental positions, Podolyak believes.
“America is back to the global agenda. America is back to deeper cooperation with its European allies. At the same time, America sends a clear message with regard to possible consequences for Russia in case of its destructive actions against the United States and its Western partners. The summit shows those spheres where they can work together,” states the adviser to the President of Ukraine.
That Joe Biden spoke out in support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is of great importance for Kyiv. He mentioned the Minsk agreements in the context that diplomatic steps have to be strengthened for their realization, Podolyak argues. Pointing to these words of the American President, Podolyak says that Biden in fact shows his approval of the Ukrainian side which has already stepped up work to “read the Minsk” more adequately at all levels.
As for Ukraine, Biden and Putin discussed the following topics: Donbas and the Minsk agreements, NATO and Ukraine. The two global leaders exchanged their views on a number of issues. Judging by remarks made during their press conferences, the discussion revealed several problems. It was clear, though, that on issues ranging from cyber attacks to human rights, they “remain profoundly divided”.
Ukrainian political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko wrote, “In fact, this is the case when no result is much better than any agreements reached. Frankly speaking, we would hardly like ‘compromises’ made on Russian conditions”.
Fesenko also wrote, “The other thing is much more important for us: and it is Biden’s statement about his support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country. Maybe, it sounds rather traditional. Nevertheless, of significance is the fact that the American President announced his unwavering support for Ukraine having formulated a list of issues which are of principle importance for the United States. One of such issues is protection of human rights on which Washington is not going to make concessions to Russia. The Geneva summit meeting has shown that the position of the United States on the Ukrainian issue is consistent and firm.”
Fesenko concludes, “On the whole, the impression of the summit is positive. But let’s wait and see how the summit’s concrete outcomes will be realized in practical actions of Russia. By the way, Biden spoke about this also. Only then we will be able to make final conclusions.”
The newspaper Voice of Ukraine
