Anatoly Antonov, Russia’s Ambassador to Washington, reiterated to a Brookings Institution videoconference audience yesterday the reason why President Vladimir Putin has not extended congratulations to Vice President Joe Biden in the U.S. presidential elections. “Firstly, I am not working in the Kremlin, I am not in close contact with Mr. Putin,” Antonov began. “But, of course, I am aware of the position of the Russian Federation on this issue. We consider that it’s American people who decide themselves who will run this country. We will recognize any choice that your people make…. As I understand, we need to wait [for the end] of some legal procedures in your country, when all official results will be announced. It goes without saying that after this moment or this event, everything will be done in accordance with the state protocol,” he stated.
But Antonov went on to explain that Russia is ready and willing to negotiate a continuation of the New START treaty with President Donald Trump. “We have time. We can get it [extension] very quickly. If anybody can call me now from the State Department or White House, I am ready to come. I am ready to continue such negotiations,” he explained. He continued, “Yes, we are in close contact with [U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control] Marshall Billingslea who is a key negotiator from the American side.”
