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Putin hasn't congratulated President-elect Joe Biden as he is 'waiting for official results' of vote: Kremlin

'I want to remind you that President Putin repeatedly said he will respect the choice of the American people'

As the world wondered why Russian President Vladimir Putin had not congratulated President-elect Joe Biden on defeating President Donald Trump in the 2020 election, and rumors flew of how he might not be as delighted with the results as he was back in 2016, the Kremlin officially laid the buzz to rest on Monday, November 11. Russia issued a statement saying that Putin was merely waiting for official results from the US presidential race before extending his congratulations to the winner.

"We consider it correct to wait for the official results to be finalized. I want to remind you that President Putin repeatedly said he will respect the choice of the American people," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Putin was not the only one who has held off from wishing President-elect Biden on his projected victory after multiple news organizations called the race in favor of the Democratic nominee on November7, causing the nation to take to the streets both in celebrations and protests.

President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil, sometimes dubbed “the Trump of the Tropics” for his populist style of governing, has kept silent on Trump’s loss. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador refused to congratulate Biden, saying he would wait until the legal challenges over the vote were resolved. Meanwhile, numerous world leaders tweeted congratulatory messages to the president-elect and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. 

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he looks forward to working with Biden, Harris and the incoming administration. In a statement posted on the official website of the Canadian Prime Minister, Trudeau said, "Our shared geography, common interests, deep personal connections, and strong economic ties make us close friends, partners, and allies." The statement further read, "I look forward to working with President-elect Biden, Vice President-elect Harris, their administration, and the United States Congress as we tackle the world’s greatest challenges together."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel also congratulated Harris' historic win as the first woman to be the vice president-elect and praised the relationship between Germany and the United States. She said in a statement, "Our transatlantic friendship is irreplaceable if we are to master the great challenges of our time." The full statement was shared on Twitter with the caption, "Chancellor #Merkel congratulates @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris. #Election2020".

French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted, "The Americans have chosen their President. Congratulations @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris! We have a lot to do to overcome today's challenges. Let's work together!" while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Twitter, “Congratulations to @JoeBiden @KamalaHarris! #Ukraine is optimistic about the future of the strategic partnership with the # United States and have always collaborated on security, trade, investment, democracy, fight against corruption. Our friendship becomes only stronger!”

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Twitter, "The US is our important ally and I look forward to working closely together on our shared priorities, from climate change to trade and security." Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Twitter, said, "Congratulations @JoeBiden on your spectacular victory! As the VP, your contribution to strengthening Indo-US relations was critical and invaluable. I look forward to working closely together once again to take India-US relations to greater heights." Congratulating Harris, whose mother is of Indian descent, Modi wrote, "Heartiest congratulations @KamalaHarris! Your success is pathbreaking, and a matter of immense pride not just for your chittis, but also for all Indian-Americans. I am confident that the vibrant India-US ties will get even stronger with your support and leadership."