Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov has stressed that Moscow was more focused on winning the war in Ukraine than the outcome of the US election.
“For us, reaching the goals of the special military operation [against Ukraine] is a priority, rather than the outcome of the US elections,” Peskov told state media.
Responding to Joe Biden’s decision to step out of the presidential race, Peskov said that “a lot can change” in the next four months.
“The elections are still four months away, and that is a long period of time in which a lot can change,”Peskov told a news outlet.
“We need to be patient and carefully monitor what happens. The priority for us is the special military operation,” Peskov said, using the euphemism that Russian President, Vladimir Putin prefers for the Ukraine war.
Former Russian President, Dmitry Medvedev said on the Telegram messaging app that he wished Biden good health and added that the goals of the special military operation would be achieved.
However, Russian state Duma leader, Vyacheslav Volodin criticised Biden’s record and accused him of standing behind growing tensions around the world.
“Biden has caused problems all over the world and in his own country, the United States. Since he sees that he will not be elected, he is withdrawing without waiting for the election,” Volodin, an ally of Vladimir Putin’s, told reporters.
Volodin added that Biden “should be held accountable for the war unleashed in Ukraine, for destroying the economies of European countries, and for the sanctions policy against Russia and other countries.”
The US election campaign comes at a pivotal moment with major conflicts ongoing in Ukraine and in Gaza, both parties warning of a growing great-power rivalry with China, and European allies unsettled about a revanchist Russia and potential America First policy under Donald Trump that could see Washington turn its back on the continent.
Biden Willing To Put Country’s Interest Above His
Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock said that Joe Biden’s decision to step aside showed he was willing to put his country’s interests above his own.
She said, “I have great respect for the US President’s decision. Biden has also done an incredible amount for transatlantic relations, and not just during his term as President.”
Leaders from around the world have reacted to Biden’s announcement that he would not seek re-election this year, endorsing vice-president Kamala Harris.
US allies largely offered tributes to Biden’s work over decades of government service, discussing his work as a partner in international security, without addressing the tense political debate still unfolding in the US.
Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk posted on X that Biden has taken many difficult decisions thanks to which Poland, America and the world are safer, and democracy stronger.
Tusk added, “I know you were driven by the same motivations when announcing your final decision. Probably the most difficult one in your life.”
UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer also said that he “respected” Biden’s decision and called his career “remarkable.”
“I respect President Biden’s decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency. I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he will have made his decision based on what he believes is best for the American people.”
Keir Starmer
Moreover, Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez opined that Biden had made a “brave and dignified decision.”
“Thanks to its determination and leadership, the US overcame the economic crisis after the pandemic and the serious assault on the Capitol and has been exemplary in its support for Ukraine in the face of Putin’s Russian aggression,” Sanchez said on X.
“A great gesture from a great president who has always fought for democracy and freedom,” he added.
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