Biden, Putin to meet in person June 16 in Geneva

President Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to meet in Geneva next month, a source familiar with the arrangements said, maintaining that the meeting will serve as a tool to manage what will continue to be a deeply challenging relationship between the U.S. and Russia.

The meeting is expected to take place on June 16, when Biden and Putin are slated to discuss issues like Iran and North Korea’s nuclear capabilities, Syria, the Arctic, strategic stability, arms control, climate change, COVID-19 and more.

The meeting, according to the source, will take place next month while Biden is already in Europe. The source said that Biden will meet with Putin after meeting with G-7 allies, so that he can understand their concerns and perspectives on Russia. 

The source said that no significant agreements should be expected from the meeting between the two leaders, but would instead serve as an opportunity for Biden and Putin to engage on intentions, plans and perspectives. 

The source, though, said Biden intends to send a clear, unequivocal message to clarify U.S. intentions, while warning of a U.S. response to certain types of Russian activities. 
The source underscored the importance for Biden to be able to engage with Putin directly to manage what they described as a difficult and complex relationship, and describing the meeting as a vital part to protecting American interests. 

The president, within a week of taking office, spoke to Putin over the phone, at Putin’s request. During the call, a source familiar said that Biden told Putin he would like to meet in person. 

Biden, last month, speaking with Putin over the phone, he proposed a summit – suggesting it take place in a third country – outside of the United States and Russia. At the time, the White House said Biden "made clear that the United States will act firmly in defense of its national interests in response to Russia's actions, such as cyber intrusions and election interference."