Russia's Putin congratulates Joe Biden for his Nov. 3 victory after Electoral College vote

(Image credit: Alexey Nikolsky/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images)

published 15 December 2020

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated President-elect Joe Biden on Tuesday for his Nov. 3 victory over President Trump, making him one of the last world leaders to recognize Biden's election. The Electoral College certified Biden's victory on Monday, and Putin had said earlier that he would wait to congratulate the winner until the results were officially confirmed. Trump has not conceded the race.

Putin sent Biden a telegram wishing the incoming president "every success" and expressing confidence that "Russia and the U.S., which bear special responsibility for global security and stability can, despite the differences, really contribute to solving many problems and challenges that the world is currently facing," the Kremlin said in a statement. It quoted Putin as telling Biden, "For my part, I am ready for cooperation and contacts with you."

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Explore More

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.

Subscribe to The Week

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox