Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Joe Biden over his victory in the disputed 2020 presidential election.
Putin had delayed acknowledging the victory of Biden for over a month, citing the Trump campaign’s legal actions against results of the disputed election.
“Vladimir Putin wished the president-elect every success and expressed confidence that Russia and the United States, which bear special responsibility for global security and stability, can, despite their differences, effectively contribute to solving many problems and meeting challenges that the world is facing today,” the Kremlin’s statement said on Tuesday.
The President of Russia noted that with this in mind, Russian-American cooperation, based on the principles of equality and mutual respect, would meet the interests of both nations and the entire international community. “For my part, I am ready for interaction and contacts with you,” Russia’s Head of State emphasized in the statement.
Biden won the election with 306 electoral votes, exceeding the 270 required to cement his presidential win over US President Donald Trump.
Trump's election campaign and its affiliates raised about half a billion dollars between Oct. 15 and Nov. 23, according to media reports. Much of the money raised was funding election challenges and to support legal actions against Biden's campaign.
The money was being made through donations being solicited through requests to legally challenge the "rigged" election outcome. Trump's campaign was allocating some money for recount efforts. However, all the money was not being used for a specific purpose.
Simultaneously, groups affiliated to Trump conducted fundraising for Trump's new political action committee, “Save America”. Trump launched "Save America" in mid-November to raise funds to support his post-presidency schemes. “Save America” will provide for Trump the money he needs or his future trips, rallies or consultants. However, this money cannot be used for a future presidential campaign, should he decide to run again in 2024 election.