Davos — On Wednesday, US Vice-President Joe Biden, in his last major speech before leaving office, described Russia as the biggest threat to the international liberal order and said Washington must work with Europe to stand up to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Biden was speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos two days before the inauguration of Donald Trump as US president. Trump has sent conciliatory signals to Putin and seemed to encourage the disintegration of the EU by praising Britain’s decision to leave the bloc and predicting that more countries could bolt. Biden pushed back forcefully against Trump’s message, warning hundreds of leaders, CEOs and bankers gathered in a vast conference hall in the Swiss Alps resort town that Putin was likely to try to influence a series of elections in Europe this year, as it is accused of doing in the recent US vote.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.