The call, which occurred at noon, was equivalent to Biden’s opening offer to diplomacy with one of his main opponents, whom he had met before, but not treated as an equal.
“His intention was also to make it clear that the United States will act firmly in defense of our national interests in response to Russia’s evil actions,” said Psaki, noting that the call had taken place during his briefing and that a more complete summary would come later. .
Biden hopes to take a firmer line with Putin, officials said. He ordered a review by management agencies on issues related to Russia and could impose new sanctions on the country.
But he also made an initial offer of diplomacy in the nuclear treaty, suggesting that he is open to promoting a working relationship with Putin.
“I think we can operate in the mutual interest of our countries, like a new START agreement, and make it clear to Russia that we are very concerned about their behavior, whether it is Navalny or the Solar Winds or are reports of rewards for the heads of Americans in Afghanistan “he told reporters on Monday.
“I asked the agencies in question to do a thorough reading for me on each of these issues, to update myself precisely where they are, and I will not hesitate to raise these issues with the Russians,” he said.
Tuesday’s call came at the request of Moscow, according to a person familiar with the matter, who said Biden wanted to talk to leaders in Europe and his advisers before speaking by phone with Putin. The Kremlin requested a call shortly after Biden took office last week, which is standard for foreign leaders who wish to speak with the new president.
Biden received a series of briefings prior to the call of senior officials examining administrative positions and the likely responses of Putin when Biden raised questions such as the Solarwinds hack and Navalny’s poisoning, the person said.
Biden’s predecessor often entered his calls without Putin’s preparation and, on at least one occasion, ignored his advisers’ advice not to congratulate Putin on winning his election.
Biden also spoke on Tuesday with Jens Stoltenberg, NATO’s secretary general, a symbolic conversation given the role of the defense bloc in defending against Russian aggression in Europe.
Biden also spoke with the leaders of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, including on issues related to Russia.
Putin was one of the last world leaders to congratulate Biden on winning the presidency, waiting until it became clear that Trump had missed the Electoral College count to offer formal greetings.
The two men met when Biden was vice president and visited Moscow. During a visit to Putin’s office, Biden later claimed to have told the Russian leader, inches from his face, that he did not believe he had a soul.