Biden Calls for Release of Navalny and Promises Tough Stance Against Russia

U.S. President Joe Biden, delivering a foreign policy speech at the State Department on February 4, stated that unlike Donald Trump, he will take a tough stance against Russia's actions.

“I have made it very clear to President Putin that unlike my predecessor, the days of the United States cowering in the face of Russia's aggressive actions—interference in our elections, cyberattacks, the poisoning of our citizens—are over. We will make Russia pay without hesitation and defend the vital interests of our people,” Biden said.

He emphasized that the U.S. is facing a determined effort by Russia to undermine American leadership, as well as Beijing's growing ambitions to compete with Washington.

Biden also called for the immediate release of Russian blogger and opposition leader Alexei Navalny. “Navalny's politically motivated imprisonment and the Russian authorities' attempts to suppress the freedom of assembly is a matter of deep concern to the international community and to us. Navalny was targeted because he exposed corruption. He must be released immediately and unconditionally,” Biden stressed.