Biden “did not hold back” in telephone conversation with Putin – White House

President Joe Biden "made no secret of concern" during a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week.

This was announced on Thursday by White House spokesman Jen Psaki, Voice of America reports.

According to her, during a conversation with the Russian president, Biden raised the topic of how Moscow dealt with the imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

"He could not restrain himself expressing concern about the treatment of Alexei Navalny and the treatment (of the security forces) with the protesters," – Psaki said.

She noted that President Biden had clear goals, and he realized them during this conversation, TSN reports.

"He has never held back his emotions about issues concerning President Putin and (did not hide) his concerns about the actions of the Russian government, and he said this clearly and unambiguously during the telephone conversation," added Psaki.

Psaki stressed that Washington will be just as frank with Russia on problematic issues and in contacts at other levels.