John Sullivan has been at work for almost a year and a half. He is seen by government officials as a firm hand, while the administration is stepping up pressure on Russia to take steps to undermine US and democratic values in general. President Joe Biden continues to decide on other ambassadorial positions, and the White House said Monday that the president has not decided on the “vast majority” of positions.
The Biden administration has already stated that it will break with President Donald Trump’s approach to Russia. Trump has largely sought to flatter Russian President Vladimir Putin and famously said he believed Putin that Russia did not try to interfere in the 2016 US presidential election, despite findings by US news agencies.
The White House said it would approach Russia on a case-by-case basis at the start of the administration, when they extended a key arms control treaty with Russia, New START, and also ordered a review of information on Russian facts.
The retention of an ambassador to Moscow who already knows the players, as well as Putin’s invitation to the climate change conference later this month, indicates that the administration remains open to diplomacy and to cooperate with Russia where possible. Biden invited dozens of leaders to the summit, although the Kremlin said it would take some time when the list was announced to confirm Putin’s participation.
The Biden administration “decided that the professionalism that John Sullivan brought to the workplace is appreciated at a time of important political transition in the US and US-Russia reactions, both in the face of Russia’s warlike efforts near Ukraine and in exploring possible engagement in climate, security and other issues, “said John Tefft, the former US ambassador to Russia.” These transitions can often take a long time, which works to our detriment in terms of a consistent foreign policy. “
These moves come as Biden is currently weighing a package of sanctions and other moves in response to a review of US intelligence services on Russia’s malicious actions, including electoral interference and the violation of Solarwinds.
Officials are now assessing possible new sanctions and other punishments that could lead to further escalation.
Last month, US-Russia relations became more strained when Biden said he believed Putin was a “killer.” After that, the Kremlin withdrew its ambassador from Washington and brought him back to Moscow for talks on the US-Russia relationship. It is unclear when he will return to Washington.
And as the Biden team works to develop and implement their policy in Russia, they do so without key players. Although Victoria Nuland, who has been nominated as Biden’s secretary of political affairs and has extensive work experience in Russia, is expected to have a confirmation hearing this week, congressmen told CNN.