By Heart of Illinois ABC
NORMAL – President Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s meeting is set to be the event of the week on Wednesday.
Local professors say even though Biden and Putin are focused mostly on posturing and appearance, these meetings thousands of miles away will have an impact here at home.
Since the fall of the Soviet Union in the early 1990’s, the relationship between the two countries has been dynamic…sometimes friendly, other times contentious.
“A lot of the last two decades have been dominated by Vladimir Putin as the President of Russia with a changing number of Presidents in the United States so that’s what contributes to ebb and flow,’ said Angela Weck with Bradley’s Institute of International Studies.
Since around 2013, ISU Professor Dr. Ali Riaz said the relationship has remained contentious.
“Particularly because of Russia’s increasing posturing about its strength and trying to influence US politics and trying to undermine the global system in favor of it,” said Riaz.
There will be a lot discussed during the summit including cyberattacks, human rights, and election interference. Both professors believe it is likely the only agreement may be a commitment not to use nuclear weapons. And as Weck explained, neither camp is looking to accomplish a lot during these talks.
“If both of them go home to their respective domestic audiences and say you know I told that guy, he knows where we stand now, which is what they will both do, they both succeed,” she said.
Still, Diaz said, talks like these can have major implications. Agreements that could come out of a summit could affect trade and the economy.
“If nothing else, it might actually end up you pay more for gas at the gas station, said Riaz.
Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL 18th District) said President Biden must ensure Putin understands that there will be consequences for his hostilities against the US. Across the aisle, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL 17th District) said she believes the President will stand up to Putin and confront him about the actions Russia has taken against the US.
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