Most of America's allies and even some of its notable rivals have congratulated President-elect Joe Biden for his 2020 victory over President Trump, but there are a couple of big holdouts: Mexico, Brazil, and Russia. "We will work with anyone who has the confidence of the American people," Russian President Vladimir Putin said Sunday on Russian state TV. "But that confidence can only be given to a candidate whose victory has been recognized by the opposing party, or after the results are confirmed in a legitimate, legal way."
Putin isn't exactly known for holding free and fair elections, much less tolerating the opposing party. "Based on Putin's standard, the United States doesn't need to recognize him as the president of the Russian Federation," noted Yashar Ali.
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