US-Russia 2021 diplomacy highlights:

Picture courtesy: Northeasern University

- On January 27, 2021,Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed Tuesday to extend the New START nuclear nonproliferation treaty, which is due to expire next month, according to Kremlin and White House summaries of a phone call between the leaders.

- On March 2, 2021, Biden administration unveils raft of sanctions on Russia over Alexei Navalny poisoning and imprisonment.

- On March 16, 2021, U.S. intelligence agencies reported that Russia and Iran tried to interfere with 2020 election.

- On March 17, 2021, President Joe Biden agreed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is a “killer,” and said in an interview with ABC News that Russia would pay for alleged interference in U.S. elections.

- On March 18, 2021, Russian President Vladimir Putin fired back at American counterpart Joe Biden’s accusation that he’s a killer, saying “it takes one to know one” as he insisted the U.S. will have to take Russia’s interests into account despite insults. President Putin then added 'I wish him a good health'. On the same day, Russia recalled U.S. envoy for consultations over comment.

- On March 18, 2021, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters that The US administration will not rely on sanctions alone in trying to influence Russia’s behavior, as President Joe Biden has a range of alternative tools at his disposal.