Biden wants to leave uncomfortable legacy for Trump: Russia

Russia believes that outgoing US President Joe Biden just wants to leave behind an "uncomfortable heritage" for successor Donald Trump by taking a call to allow Ukraine to use US-supplied military ware to hit targets deep inside Russian territory, said Dmitry Peskov, press secretary to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Moscow has responded by updating its nuclear doctrine to reserve the right to retaliate with nuclear weapons even against a conventional strike by a non-nuclear weapon state if that attack is done in collaboration with a nuclear weapon state. "We have to adapt our doctrine to address the realities of the present," Peskov told a select Indian media gathering.

He, however, struck a positive note on Trump. "Look, the Biden people are doing everything to let the war continue. But Trump spoke of peace during his election campaign. We don't know what Trump can deliver but he is at least speaking of peace."


On Trump's campaign claim that he can resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 24 hours, Peskov said: "I don't think he can solve it overnight. But he has shown a readiness to make serious attempts at achieving peace."

Further, Peskov said Russia was appreciative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict but said no concrete plan had yet emerged: "We have no specific plan yet but President Putin shares a very special and pragmatic relations with PM Modi, who also has a relationship on the Ukraine side. So, he is able receive first hand information from both sides."

Peskov said the Russian side was pleased that India and China could reach an understanding on troops disengagement on Russian soil in Kazan but denied any mediation. "We can never dare say to India what do with China and never dare say to China what to do with India. Regional powers should solve their issues without any interference. This is how it should be in a multilateral world."

Peskov also said the specific dates of Putin's visit to India will be announced soon and that Russia will begin to prepare for it. ET has learnt that Putin will visit India in 2025 for the annual summit.