Putin Explains Why He Hasn't Congratulated Biden Yet

Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on why he has not yet congratulated the winner of the U.S. presidential elections, stating that it is necessary to wait for the resolution of all legal issues. According to the Russian leader, such a purely formal delay in congratulations will not worsen the already fragile relations between Moscow and Washington, TASS reports.

“You can't spoil already spoiled relations. We treat everyone with respect—both the current President Donald Trump and the candidate for that office, Joseph Biden. For that reason, we have no issue regarding this matter. However, purely formal steps should correspond to the created situation and the legal side of the affair,” said Putin in response to a question from Pavel Zarubin, the host of the program 'Moscow. Kremlin. Putin,' regarding whether U.S.-Russia relations would deteriorate due to the delay in congratulatory remarks to the newly elected U.S. president.