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Biden and Putin agree: Relations between US and Russia at 'low point'

Joe Biden Vladimir Putin
Posted at 7:59 AM, Jun 14, 2021
and last updated 2021-06-14 09:02:11-04

Two global leaders set to meet this week in Geneva — U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Russian leader has described relations between the superpowers to be at a low point.

Biden agreed Sunday, speaking to reporters at the Group of Seven leaders' summit in Britain.

"Let me make it clear: I think he's right it's a low point, and it depends on how he responds to acting consistent with international norms, which in many cases he has not," Biden said.

On the agenda for Wednesday: arms control, but also interference in U.S. elections.

"I checked it out, so I had access to all the intelligence. He was engaged in those activities. I did respond and made it clear that I'd respond again," Biden said.

The two leaders will also discuss cyber attacks on American companies from criminals reportedly operating inside Russia.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during an appearance on Fox News Sunday that Russia has a responsibility to bring those criminals to justice.

"When it comes to ransomware, no responsible country should be in the business of harboring criminal organizations engaged in those practices," Blinken said. "And that is something that the president very much intends to take up with President Putin."

Rep. Michael McCaul, R- Texas, said the U.S. needs to do more than just talk.

"I think we need to demonstrate and the president needs to demonstrate with Putin, there will be consequences to your actions if you continue to do this," McCaul said. "They need to know when they do this there are consequences to their actions and we’re going to hit them back."

As for Putin, he says he knows nothing of the cyberattacks or ransom demands. But he told Russian state television Russia would be willing to help combat the problem but wants the U.S. to "extradite corresponding criminals to the Russian Federation."

This story was originally published by Alex Arger for Newsy.