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Biden And Putin To Meet Face-To-Face In High-Stakes Summit; President Joe Biden Expected To Press Putin On Cybersecurity During Summit. Aired 5:30-6a ET

Aired June 16, 2021 - 05:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

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[05:31:31]

CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, this is EARLY START. I'm Christine Romans.

LAURA JARRETT, CNN ANCHOR: I'm Laura Jarrett. It's about 31 minutes past the hour here in New York.

And we are just moments away from the planned arrival of Russian President Vladimir Putin. We know he's now left Russia for Geneva, set to arrive there around 6:30 Eastern Time, we're told, ahead of this highly-anticipated summit with President Biden. Putin, a man Mr. Biden once described as not having a soul and now calls him a worthy adversary.

ROMANS: This will be the first meeting between the two men since Mr. Biden became president. They have starkly different missions with President Biden trying to restore America's diplomatic credibility as President Putin works to undermine it.

Let's return live to Geneva and CNN's Wolf Blitzer. Hi, Wolf.

WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: Hi, guys. Thanks very much.

Final preparations clearly underway right now for the start of this historic summit. President Biden -- he's already here -- spent the night here -- fresh off two largely successful summits with G7 and NATO allies. President Putin, as you say, set to land in about an hour or so in Geneva.

The stakes at this summit are extremely high. Relations between the United States and Russia right now at their lowest point in years. Vital American interests clearly on the table, including cyber defense and even, for that matter, democracy itself. That, according to President Biden.

Joining us once again here in Geneva, our chief national security correspondent Jim Sciutto and our senior international correspondent Fred Pleitgen.

You know, when we look at what's going on here and we say the stakes, Fred, are enormous in so many areas, what these two leaders decide to do after four or five or maybe six hours -- who knows how long these conversations will go -- could have a dramatic impact on not only the United States and Russia but the world.

FREDERIK PLEITGEN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, absolutely -- the entire world. And if you look at some of the things the Russians have said beforehand -- some of the issues that the two leaders plan to cover, they're going to talk about Korea -- the Korean Peninsula. You would think that's sort of Russia's limited influence but they do have a lot of influence there with the North Koreans, for instance. Syria -- the whole complex of the entire Middle East where Russia has been expanding at a huge pace over the past couple of years.

And then, of course -- also, for instance, the conflict in Ukraine, which is really one of those that's going to be a very difficult topic because the Russians really don't want to budge at all as far as Ukraine is concerned. It's very difficult to see them move even an inch out of the dawn bust (ph).

And when was the last time you heard anybody talk about Crimea? Crimea is still one of those issues where the Russians -- you talk to Russian officials now and they'll tell you we're not even going to talk about that subject because we believe Crimea is ours. So very difficult arms control also, as well.

And then I think one of the things that is really going to be a tough subject at this summit -- and we've heard it from the Russians and we've heard it from the U.S. -- is going to be the whole complex of cyber hacking -- cyber hacking, cyber warfare, and disinformation as well. Because it's one of the things that the Russians -- you can clearly see they view that being military maybe weaker than the west and financially certainly, as well, as an equalizer. And it's very difficult to see Vladimir Putin giving up even an inch on that topic.

BLITZER: Yes, and it doesn't look like Putin's going to give an inch on Ukraine or Crimea for that matter, as well. The Ukrainian government would like to be a member of NATO but if they were to join NATO, article five would mandate that all the NATO allies would be responsible for Ukraine's national security.

JIM SCIUTTO, CNN CHIEF NATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: Russia would go ballistic if that were to happen. I mean, they were already uncomfortable with Ukraine moving closer to the west to cooperation agreements with the E.U. I mean, that was one of the sparks for Russia's military occupation and destabilization in Ukraine before.

[05:35:05]

And to Fred's point, it's amazing. Seven years ago, Russia annexed Crimea to great outrage around the world. It's almost a fait accompli at this point, right? I mean, what's the last thing that happened that might change that situation there?

So, big picture, the status quo actually suits Russia on a lot of these things. The status quo of cyber hacking, Russia successfully destabilizing the U.S. -- weakening the U.S. The status quo on Ukraine. They've got Crimea, they've got big pieces of eastern Ukraine.

The status quo on Syria is also good for Russia. Russia has established an enormous fear of influence in the Middle East and right on the Mediterranean.

So if things stay the same after this summit it's not a bad outcome for Vladimir Putin. Biden's got to find a way to push back and make some progress on several of those areas and we'll see if he does.

BLITZER: And for all practical purposes, the U.S has now accepted Russia's influence in Syria.

SCIUTTO: It has -- listen -- and they've got a naval base in the Mediterranean now, too. I mean, it's a -- that's a -- that's a change we don't talk about a lot in the last several years but it's a big one in terms of their influence and their muscle-flexing in and around Europe and in and around NATO.

BLITZER: I'm told that Syria will be a subject of discussion between the Russian and American leaders during the course of the summit. There are significant issues in Syria right now and a lot of people are still getting killed.

PLEITGEN: A lot of people are still getting killed. And I think one of the things that's certainly an issue for the Russians -- where Jim is obviously absolutely right -- the U.S. does view that as a sphere of Russian influence right now. And it's not only the fact that they have that naval base but they've expanded that naval base, they've expanded their airbase. They have forces there -- I mean, it really looks like that is going to be there to stay.

The only issue that the Russians have in Syria right now is that for all intents and purposes they may have decided the war in their favor. But they are in jeopardy of losing the peace. There's no reconstruction going on there whatsoever and certainly, Russia's not going to have the money to do that. And as long as that stays the case there is going to be instability in Syria and with that in the entire Middle East.

BLITZER: There are some areas where they will agree or at least find some commonality, but plenty of areas where they will strongly disagree.

Let's go back to Christine Romans in New York to see how markets are reacting to this historic summit this morning -- Christine.

ROMANS: Hey, Wolf.

You know, this is a pivotal relationship. Russia is a major oil producer. Oil prices are at two-year highs. It's a nuclear power. And within its border, U.S. officials say criminal gangs are attacking U.S. businesses for ransom money.

Looking at markets around the world you see weakness in Asian markets because of some weaker than expected Chinese data. Europe has opened mixed here -- very narrowly mixed with all eyes on that -- on that summit. On Wall Street, futures at this point are barely moving, too.

Look, stocks were lower Tuesday but still very close to record highs as the U.S. economy reopens and booms. The main event now, the Federal Reserve's policy meeting and whether the Fed officials are still comfortable that spiking inflation in the U.S. is only temporary.

We saw producer prices rose at the fastest annual pace in 11 years in May. Retail sales fell in May following the few months of stimulus- fueled growth.

JARRETT: All right.

The arrival of Russian President Vladimir Putin happening just a short time from now -- roughly, about an hour. Wolf Blitzer is live in Geneva, Switzerland. Wolf, over to you.

BLITZER: Laura, thank you very much.

Cybersecurity clearly certain to be high on President Biden's agenda for his summit meeting with Vladimir Putin in the wake of recent Russia-linked hacks and ransomware attacks in the United States. But there are areas, as we keep saying, of mutual agreement for these two leaders.

Let's discuss with CNN international security analyst Peter Bergen. Peter, in light of these latest cyberattacks, how important is it for President Biden to establish what is called a red line with Putin when it comes to this issue?

PETER BERGEN, CNN NATIONAL SECURITY ANALYST (via Webex by Cisco): I think, obviously, it's very important and there are things that the United States could do.

For instance, getting Russia to -- out of the swift banking system, which would affect its banking pretty badly since that's the way that all -- basically, it's the international agreement around how to transfer money.

So there are some sort of sticks that President Biden -- that President Biden could use.

But I think it is important we've discussed quite a lot about all the things that separate the two countries. There are some things that they can agree on.

One, trying to prevent North Korea from expanding its nuclear program further. Two, trying to use diplomacy to kind of basically get Iran to reduce its nuclear program. Three, it's in both countries' interest to not have a totally collapsed Afghan state this year. That would be kind of a launchpad for ISIS and al Qaeda.

Four, there are arms control talks that can continue. And five, both countries could restore their ambassadors and diplomatic staff. And finally, Wolf, there could be a prisoner swap. There are two Americans who are being held by the Russians, Paul Whelan and Trevor Reed. Both of them are saying they're wrongfully detained.

And this is the kind of confidence-building measure where you have a prisoner swap, potentially for Russians held in the United States that can kind of -- you know, out of the summit kind of -- you know, these are minor wins potentially, but there are some wins for both sides, Wolf.

[05:40:11]

BLITZER: Where do you think, Peter, the president -- President Biden will try to hold Putin to account?

BERGEN: Well, I mean, I think what Fred and Jim were talking with you about. I mean, certainly, the ransomware issue because in a way, that's an easier win I think for both Biden and Putin, which is say look, we know the ransomware attacks are originating in Russia. We know that they're not directly tied to the government. You've got to get a handle on these attacks. You've got to crack down on these cybercriminals who we believe are based in Russia.

So I think that's an area where -- you know, obviously, once you get to the GRU, which is the military intelligence wing of the Russian government, which the CIA identifies as being responsible for the -- you know, basically, the interference in the 2016 and 2020 election -- that's a much more sensitive topic.

After all, Putin is a former KGB officer. You know, he's an intelligence officer himself. He's going to completely say that this is -- you know, he's denied this in the past. He will deny it, I'm sure, today.

But I think -- the ransomware issue is something I think is something that Biden can push on and Putin can say yes, we'll look into it and maybe do something about it.

BLITZER: Just holding these talks, as you say, Peter, can help reduce the risk of miscommunication, and that risk could be very serious. But there are these areas, as you also point, where they can find some common ground.

Why do you think, though, that they decided -- or I guess the U.S. decided there would not be a joint news conference at the end of this conversation?

BERGEN: I mean, it's got to be something to do with the fiasco of the last Trump-Putin press conference. I mean, I believe -- I don't know.

President Biden has chosen to give relatively few press conferences. He's been very disciplined. Obviously, the joint press conference with Putin kind of elevates Putin to the same level and he may have just decided that that's not the kind of message he wants to send.

Obviously, he wants to recalibrate the relationship. President Trump had a very strange relationship with Putin -- almost celebrating him. I think Biden wants to be careful not to do that. And I'm merely speculating here, Wolf. I'm not exactly sure.

BLITZER: Yes. I mean, it's really I think hovering over this summit, as you correctly point out, to a certain degree was that joint news conference that Putin had with former President Trump. And during that -- during that session, all of us remember it. I was there -- Helsinki -- covering it.

The former president -- he basically ridiculed and rejected what the U.S. intelligence community and the director of national intelligence Dan Coats were saying about Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. And he agreed with Putin that the Russians weren't involved. He accepted that.

That hovers over this conversation to a certain degree, don't you think, Peter?

BERGEN: Absolutely, but let's go back in time. I mean, of course, Wolf, you remember George W. Bush looked into Putin's soul and found somebody that he could do business with. And Hillary Clinton talked about the reset with Russia.

You know, Trump obviously was a very extreme example of trying to sort of cozy up to Russia. But, I mean, every American administration has for good reason -- after all, they still have many nuclear weapons -- has tried to establish some kind of relationship with Russia.

But, Putin has outlived -- he's still around decades later and he's allowed himself to be I think president until 2036. He'll be 83 at the time, I think. So this guy is a survivor. He's very Wylie. He's an intelligence officer. He knows how to kind of manipulate people.

And, Biden has been well briefed. He apparently met with a dozen Russia experts before this from both -- who had served in both Republican and Democratic administration. And so, I mean, I'm sure he's going to be very careful. But, yes, the Trump-Putin sort of bromance hovers over this very strongly.

BLITZER: Yes, I'm sure you're right. The president -- President Biden -- he says that Putin is very smart, a worthy adversary. We'll see what happens.

Peter Bergen, thank you very, very much.

We're going to have much more on this historic summit here in Geneva. That's just ahead on CNN. We'll be right back.

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[05:49:01]

ROMANS: All right, 48 minutes past the hour.

We know that Russian President Vladimir Putin, right now, is en route to Geneva. In less than two hours, he will meet with President Joe Biden. We are expecting a firm and forceful Biden -- a reversal of the deference paid to Putin by former President Trump.

You know, Biden brings 38 years of foreign policy experience to this sit-down but remember, the Russian leader brings something, too. He has been a thorn in the side of four previous U.S. presidents.

Former CNN Moscow bureau chief Jill Dougherty joins us live this morning. She's an expert on Russia and a global fellow at the Woodrow Wilson Center.

JARRETT: Jill, we've been talking about how much the president has been preparing for this moment -- this important meeting -- but what about President Putin? He's known for his antics. We all remember him bringing that soccer ball --

ROMANS: Yes.

JARRETT: -- to the last meeting with the former president. So what should we expect in today's meeting?

JILL DOUGHERTY, GLOBAL FELLOW, WOODROW WILSON CENTER, FORMER CNN MOSCOW BUREAU CHIEF: Well, actually, I would begin with will he arrive on time?

JARRETT: Oh.

DOUGHERTY: That's always a question because President Putin often tries to come later and make the other guy wait. So that would be my very first question.

[05:50:04]

It doesn't seem serious but I think at these summits there is a lot of body language and other -- there are other messages being told.

But I think if you look at this relationship, both sides legitimately I think, want to talk because there has been a lack of communication for quite a long time.

We were talking about Crimea a little bit and that's back in 2014. But that's really when the U.S. -- and probably for justifiable reasons -- stopped a lot of the communication, in effect, to punish Russia for what they had done.

But now you have a situation where the ambassadors have left their embassies. We expect that they will be going back. But if you look at the American embassy in Moscow right now, they are so low-staffed it's not even funny. We've had to close down consulates.

So this communication is really important and especially in the cyber realm where you can get a lot of mixed messages and it's unclear what the other guy is doing.

ROMANS: You know, Jill, you make this point that the Russian media has changed its depiction of President Biden over the last few weeks, right? They were portraying him as old and out of it and then now they're casting him as crafty. That's meant to put Vladimir Putin in a better position, right, for how he's viewed internally.

DOUGHERTY: It is, although I was watching and I am watching Russian T.V. this morning and it comes and goes. I mean, but let's say for quite a while they depicted Biden, as you said, old, decrepit, mentally unfit, et cetera. Now, because he's going to be meeting with the president of Russia, why would the president of Russia want to meet with a guy like that? Not much competition.

So they have kind of changed that and said you know, he's an impressive older man. But there is still that level -- there's still that level of trolling.

I watched some T.V. last night -- Russian state T.V., of course, in which they deliberately took sound bites from President Biden where he said hmm, uh, I'm not quite sure. So he looked like -- you know, not quite in command.

And these are the things that continue to go out because it's very important for President Putin domestically for his own audience to look like a strong leader on top of things. He doesn't really need this summit. Joe Biden needs this summit -- of course, it's all in quotes -- and he's there to show that he is strong.

So these are elements, again, a lot of times for domestic consumption, but they're very important.

JARRETT: So, Jill, to that point, you say he doesn't need this summit. What is he trying to get out of it then? We heard Jim Sciutto say earlier if things essentially stay the same, that's a good thing for Putin, not a good thing for Biden.

DOUGHERTY: Well, to a certain extent, yes. But I do think that number one, the president -- President Putin does want to be on the world stage. I mean, the way that he depicts and Russia depicts Russia itself and President Putin is a major power. Whereas, at this moment, we know that probably the biggest concern of the United States is China. So Russia is happy to be on the stage and President Putin.

And then I think when the United States talks about red lines, Vladimir Putin has some red lines of his own and they deal with the neighborhood -- Ukraine, Belarus. And his message is I've got my area of interest; you should not be interfering. And those are really serious red lines for President Putin.

ROMANS: And Jill, you say that the president and the U.S. team should be wary of any last-minute offerings from the Russian president, right? Read the fine print, right? Trust but verify.

DOUGHERTY: Exactly, because President Putin has done this many, many times and he does it in news conferences sometimes where he brings up an idea -- let's say, the prisoner exchange could be one of these. Kind of a --

ROMANS: Right.

DOUGHERTY: -- slippery area where on the surface it looks like a very good idea.

But I would say read the fine print because what Putin will do is he will get the other person to agree -- yes, that might be a very good idea -- but then it turns out that the details are not what the other side would want. So that, I think, could be a danger point.

ROMANS: Jill Dougherty, so nice to see you this morning. Thank you for walking us through it. In less than two hours we'll know at the beginning of this meeting.

Thanks for joining us, everybody.

JARRETT: Thanks, Jill.

ROMANS: I'm Christine Romans.

JARRETT: I'm Laura Jarrett. Our special live coverage continues with Wolf Blitzer live in Geneva. And minutes from now, President Putin is expected to land to have this face-to-face meeting with President Biden.

[05:55:00]

"NEW DAY" is next.

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JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: Welcome to our viewers in the United States and all around the world. I'm John Berman with Brianna Keilar.

BRIANNA KEILAR, CNN ANCHOR: This is NEW DAY's special coverage of a major moment in history and for that, we go to Wolf Blitzer.

BLITZER: All right -- thanks very much, guys. We're live here in Geneva, Switzerland, only moments away from a truly historic face-to- face meeting between the U.S. president, Joe Biden, and the Russian president, Vladimir Putin.

President Biden arrived last night after meetings with G7 and NATO leaders. He has prepared intensely for an encounter that will test his decades of experience on the world state and his diplomatic skills with a truly, truly formidable adversary.

President Biden's hope is to open lines of communication with Russia. He wants to stop any further deterioration in the relationship, which he admits has reached a new low point.