Biden says cybercriminals are open to exchanges with Putin

U.S. President Joe Biden has said he is open to a proposal by Russian President Vladimir Putin to hand over cybercriminals to the U.S. if Washington does the same to Moscow a few days before the two leaders’ summit in Geneva.

Biden and Putin will sit in Switzerland on Wednesday previous encounter Since Biden was sworn in as president of the United States. The two leaders said over the weekend that relations between the two countries were at a low point, but Biden’s latest comments suggested there could be room for cooperation.

At the end of a meeting of G7 leaders in the UK on Sunday, Biden told reporters that he felt Putin was suggesting a joint extradition of cybercriminals responsible for disruptive Ransomware attacks.

Earlier on Sunday, Russian state television gave an interview to Putin in which the Russian president said that Russia and the US must “make equal commitments.”

“Russia will do this naturally, but if the other party (in this case the United States) agrees to the same and also extradites the corresponding criminals to the Russian Federation.”

Asked about Putin’s comments, Biden said: “Yes, I am open. If there is a crime against Russia, in fact it is the people who are committing these crimes in the United States, I am committed to taking responsibility.”

“I was told I was flying here [Putin] he said, “Biden added.” I think that’s a good sign of progress. “

More and more daring ransomware attacks have halted the company in recent weeks. These are Colonial Pipeline It provides oil supplies for much of the east coast of America, as well as local operations JBS, A Brazilian meat processing company. The White House believes the two attacks originated in Russia.

Putin told NBC News on Friday that relations between the United States and Russia are at “the lowest point in recent years.” Biden said on Sunday that he agreed with the characterization, but also noted areas where he believed the two countries could work together.

The White House on Saturday confirmed that Biden would hold a solo press conference on Wednesday after a summit with Putin, instead of sharing the stage as his predecessor Donald Trump did with Helsinki in 2018 in Russia.

“This is not a competition where they can do better in front of a press conference or try to embarrass each other,” Biden said. “It’s very clear to me what the conditions are for a better relationship.

He added: “Russia believes that they are against international rules. But they have also removed some real problems that will have problems with chewing. For example, the reconstruction of Syria, Libya.”

“I am hopeful, for example, that we will be able to find accommodation that can save people’s lives in Libya.”

Biden spoke at the end of his meetings with other G7 leaders in Cornwall, shortly before he met Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle. He will then travel to Brussels, Belgium, where he will attend the summit NATO leaders He made the last round of his first trip abroad as president of the United States before going to Geneva.