US President Joe Biden (left) hopes to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) in June. Photo: AFP / VNA

Analysts described the possible summit as a positive signal, given the escalating tensions between Russia and NATO.

Tensions escalate

Just a few days before the US President proposed the meeting, Russia and the EU, the US’s long-standing ally, took tough actions of retaliation. On April 30, shortly after Russia announced an entry ban of eight EU officials, including European Parliament President David Sassoli and European Commission Vice President Vera Jourova, the EU responded by summoning the Russian Ambassador to the EU. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel condemned the Russian decision and warned of appropriate retaliation.

The Russian government said the travel ban is in response to the asset freeze and travel ban imposed by the EC in March on four Russian officials for charges related to the arrest of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Subsequently, a series of EU member states, led by the Czech Republic, took tough measures against Russia, including expelling diplomats. Tensions were so high that analysts rated Russia-EU relations at their lowest level since the Cold War.

Russia has also been under great pressure from the US. On April 15, Washington announced the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats, a travel ban, and an asset freeze of 40 Russian individuals and entities. Moscow responded with a decision to expel 10 US diplomats.

Prospects of cooperative dialogue

In the wake of tit-for-tat retaliation, analysts were skeptical about an immediate improvement of the Russia-West relationship, but said it is not out of the question. Washington is sending two messages to Moscow at the same time: willingness to start a dialogue and readiness to take tough action. Analysts say foreign policy toward Russia under President Biden has been clearly defined and tougher than under Donald Trump.

But as has been seen over the years, the West needs Russia to deal with thorny global issues, including Iran's nuclear, Middle East instability, Ukraine, and the post-Soviet borders. 

Now that the US President has expressed his willingness to hold a dialogue with the Russian President, there‘s a chance of improving the situation, regardless of what the summit’s agenda and outcome might be.