MOSCOW — President Vladimir Putin says Russia is willing to work with whomever is declared the next president of the United States, but that he will not offer congratulations until the winner is formally decided or a candidate concedes.
Putin's remarks broadcast Sunday on state television reiterate earlier Kremlin comments on why Putin had not congratulated Joe Biden after major news organizations called him president-elect, as did many other world leaders.
Putin said “we are just waiting for the end of the internal political confrontation," referring to Republican challenges to the vote count. He said, ”we will work with any person who will be given the trust of the American people."
