US Vice President George H.W. Bush, US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev pose for a photo on Governors Island in New York in 1988.
When US presidents met Russian leaders
US Vice President George H.W. Bush, US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev pose for a photo on Governors Island in New York in 1988.
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Updated 11:54 AM EDT, Wed June 16, 2021

US President Joe Biden met face to face with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a summit in Geneva, Switzerland, on Wednesday.

The two had met before, but this was their first encounter since Biden was elected President. They were expected to discuss a wide range of issues as Biden wrapped up his first international trip.

US and Russian leaders have met many times over the past century — sometimes as allies, sometimes as adversaries — and the affairs are always highly anticipated.

Soviet leader Joseph Stalin shakes hands with Sarah Churchill, daughter of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, next to US President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943. Stalin, Roosevelt and Churchill, right, were meeting at the Soviet embassy in Tehran, Iran, to discuss strategy during World War II. They were allies against the Axis Powers.
Soviet leader Joseph Stalin shakes hands with Sarah Churchill, daughter of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, next to US President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943. Stalin, Roosevelt and Churchill, right, were meeting at the Soviet embassy in Tehran, Iran, to discuss strategy during World War II. They were allies against the Axis Powers.
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From left, Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin attend the Yalta Conference in the Soviet Union in 1945. They were meeting to talk about a postwar plan for Europe and how it would be reorganized after the fall of Nazi Germany. Today, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2014/03/14/world/europe/crimea-yalta-history/index.html" target="_blank">many historians conclude that Stalin was the "winner" at Yalta,</a> as much of Eastern Europe would soon fall within the Soviet orbit. Churchill and Roosevelt won no meaningful concessions on Poland, which was already occupied by Soviet troops.
From left, Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin attend the Yalta Conference in the Soviet Union in 1945. They were meeting to talk about a postwar plan for Europe and how it would be reorganized after the fall of Nazi Germany. Today, many historians conclude that Stalin was the "winner" at Yalta, as much of Eastern Europe would soon fall within the Soviet orbit. Churchill and Roosevelt won no meaningful concessions on Poland, which was already occupied by Soviet troops.
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Stalin and US President Harry Truman smile during the Potsdam Conference in Germany in 1945. The Germans had recently surrendered, and Japan's surrender was soon to follow. At the end of the conference, the Potsdam Declaration issued an ultimatum to Japan, saying it should surrender or face "prompt and utter destruction." Less than two weeks later, the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima.
Stalin and US President Harry Truman smile during the Potsdam Conference in Germany in 1945. The Germans had recently surrendered, and Japan's surrender was soon to follow. At the end of the conference, the Potsdam Declaration issued an ultimatum to Japan, saying it should surrender or face "prompt and utter destruction." Less than two weeks later, the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima.
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From left, Churchill, Truman and Stalin shake hands during the Potsdam Conference.
From left, Churchill, Truman and Stalin shake hands during the Potsdam Conference.
AP
Soviet leader Nikolai Bulganin, left, waves with US President Dwight D. Eisenhower during a summit in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1955. Also taking part in the summit were French Prime Minister Edgar Faure, second from right, and British Prime Minister Anthony Eden, right.
Soviet leader Nikolai Bulganin, left, waves with US President Dwight D. Eisenhower during a summit in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1955. Also taking part in the summit were French Prime Minister Edgar Faure, second from right, and British Prime Minister Anthony Eden, right.
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Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, left, shares a toast of Pepsi with US Vice President Richard Nixon, right, and President Eisenhower's brother Milton, second from right, who were visiting Moscow as part of a cultural exchange in 1959. It was at the opening of the American National Exhibition, where Khrushchev and Nixon argued over the merits of capitalism and communism. This later became known as the "kitchen debate" after the two men continued their back-and-forth in the kitchen of a model American home. Nixon would later become President.
Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, left, shares a toast of Pepsi with US Vice President Richard Nixon, right, and President Eisenhower's brother Milton, second from right, who were visiting Moscow as part of a cultural exchange in 1959. It was at the opening of the American National Exhibition, where Khrushchev and Nixon argued over the merits of capitalism and communism. This later became known as the "kitchen debate" after the two men continued their back-and-forth in the kitchen of a model American home. Nixon would later become President.
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Khrushchev, second from right, talks with President Eisenhower before a state dinner at the White House in 1959. At left is Khrushchev's wife, Nina Khrushcheva, next to first lady Mamie Eisenhower. Khrushchev's visit was the first time a Soviet leader had been to the White House.
Khrushchev, second from right, talks with President Eisenhower before a state dinner at the White House in 1959. At left is Khrushchev's wife, Nina Khrushcheva, next to first lady Mamie Eisenhower. Khrushchev's visit was the first time a Soviet leader had been to the White House.
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Eisenhower sits between the Khrushchevs as they are driven to Washington, DC, in 1959.
Eisenhower sits between the Khrushchevs as they are driven to Washington, DC, in 1959.
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Khrushchev speaks at the 1960 Paris Summit, which was interrupted by the political fallout of an American spy plane shot down on a mission over the Soviet Union. After the Soviets announced the capture of pilot Francis Gary Powers, the United States recanted earlier assertions that the plane was on a weather research mission.
Khrushchev speaks at the 1960 Paris Summit, which was interrupted by the political fallout of an American spy plane shot down on a mission over the Soviet Union. After the Soviets announced the capture of pilot Francis Gary Powers, the United States recanted earlier assertions that the plane was on a weather research mission.
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Khrushchev shakes hands with US President John F. Kennedy as they meet for a two-day summit in Vienna, Austria, in 1961. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2016/03/03/politics/nixon-versus-kennedy-what-if-nixon-won/index.html" target="_blank">Historians agree that Kennedy did poorly in his negotiations,</a> which came two months after the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in Cuba. A year later, it was discovered that the Soviets had deployed nuclear missiles in Cuba — just 90 miles from the United States.
Khrushchev shakes hands with US President John F. Kennedy as they meet for a two-day summit in Vienna, Austria, in 1961. Historians agree that Kennedy did poorly in his negotiations, which came two months after the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in Cuba. A year later, it was discovered that the Soviets had deployed nuclear missiles in Cuba — just 90 miles from the United States.
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US President Lyndon B. Johnson, right, confers with Soviet leader Alexei Kosygin during the Glassboro Summit in Glassboro, New Jersey, in 1967. Sitting with them is interpreter Alexander Akalovsky.
US President Lyndon B. Johnson, right, confers with Soviet leader Alexei Kosygin during the Glassboro Summit in Glassboro, New Jersey, in 1967. Sitting with them is interpreter Alexander Akalovsky.
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Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev shares a toast with US President Richard Nixon after they signed a few agreements during a summit in Washington, DC, in 1973. The two men also held productive meetings in Moscow in 1972, signing major arms-control treaties.
Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev shares a toast with US President Richard Nixon after they signed a few agreements during a summit in Washington, DC, in 1973. The two men also held productive meetings in Moscow in 1972, signing major arms-control treaties.
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Nixon and Brezhnev hold another summit in Moscow in 1974.
Nixon and Brezhnev hold another summit in Moscow in 1974.
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Nixon, escorted by Brezhnev, waves to embassy staff members and families after arriving in Moscow in 1974. At left is first lady Pat Nixon.
Nixon, escorted by Brezhnev, waves to embassy staff members and families after arriving in Moscow in 1974. At left is first lady Pat Nixon.
AP
Brezhnev meets with US President Gerald Ford at a summit in Vladivostok, USSR, in 1974. During the summit, the two sides reached more agreements to limit their weapons.
Brezhnev meets with US President Gerald Ford at a summit in Vladivostok, USSR, in 1974. During the summit, the two sides reached more agreements to limit their weapons.
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Ford and Brezhnev ride a train together in Vladivostok during their summit in 1974.
Ford and Brezhnev ride a train together in Vladivostok during their summit in 1974.
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Ford joins Brezhnev outside the Soviet Embassy in Helsinki, Finland, in 1975. They were among the leaders attending the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. The Helsinki Final Act, signed by the US, the Soviet Union and almost all European countries, was meant to reinvigorate the policy of "détente," or relaxing of tensions, during the Cold War.
Ford joins Brezhnev outside the Soviet Embassy in Helsinki, Finland, in 1975. They were among the leaders attending the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. The Helsinki Final Act, signed by the US, the Soviet Union and almost all European countries, was meant to reinvigorate the policy of "détente," or relaxing of tensions, during the Cold War.
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Brezhnev kisses US President Jimmy Carter while still holding the documents of the SALT II treaty they signed in Vienna, Austria, in 1979. The SALT treaties placed limits on nuclear weapons.
Brezhnev kisses US President Jimmy Carter while still holding the documents of the SALT II treaty they signed in Vienna, Austria, in 1979. The SALT treaties placed limits on nuclear weapons.
AP
US President Ronald Reagan, left, and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev hold a fireside chat in a boat house during a summit in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1985. Gorbachev ushered in an era of economic reforms under perestroika and greater political freedoms under glasnost.
US President Ronald Reagan, left, and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev hold a fireside chat in a boat house during a summit in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1985. Gorbachev ushered in an era of economic reforms under perestroika and greater political freedoms under glasnost.
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Gorbachev and Reagan sign an arms-control agreement in Washington, DC, in 1987. This came a few months after Reagan gave his famous Berlin Wall Speech, saying "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"
Gorbachev and Reagan sign an arms-control agreement in Washington, DC, in 1987. This came a few months after Reagan gave his famous Berlin Wall Speech, saying "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"
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Reagan shakes a boy's hand as he tours Moscow's Red Square with Gorbachev in 1988.
Reagan shakes a boy's hand as he tours Moscow's Red Square with Gorbachev in 1988.
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US President-elect George H.W. Bush points out sights for Gorbachev while Reagan looks on, as they overlook New York Harbor from Governors Island in 1988.
US President-elect George H.W. Bush points out sights for Gorbachev while Reagan looks on, as they overlook New York Harbor from Governors Island in 1988.
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Bush watches Gorbachev leave the White House after the two leaders held talks in 1990.
Bush watches Gorbachev leave the White House after the two leaders held talks in 1990.
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Bush, Gorbachev and some of their key advisers spend time at Camp David, Maryland, in 1990.
Bush, Gorbachev and some of their key advisers spend time at Camp David, Maryland, in 1990.
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Bush and Gorbachev share a laugh together at a Moscow summit in 1991. Later that year, the Soviet Union was dissolved and the Cold War was over.
Bush and Gorbachev share a laugh together at a Moscow summit in 1991. Later that year, the Soviet Union was dissolved and the Cold War was over.
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Russian President Boris Yeltsin finishes a glass of vodka in Moscow during a reception for world leaders in 1995. On the right is US President Bill Clinton.
Russian President Boris Yeltsin finishes a glass of vodka in Moscow during a reception for world leaders in 1995. On the right is US President Bill Clinton.
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Clinton laughs at a Yeltsin joke during a joint news conference in New York in 1995.
Clinton laughs at a Yeltsin joke during a joint news conference in New York in 1995.
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Clinton shakes hands with new Russian President Vladimir Putin before the start of a G8 summit in Japan in 2000.
Clinton shakes hands with new Russian President Vladimir Putin before the start of a G8 summit in Japan in 2000.
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US President George W. Bush, left, shakes hands with Putin as they meet for the first time at a summit in Ljubljana, Slovenia, in 2001. "I was able to get a sense of his soul, a man deeply committed to his country and the best interests of his country," Bush said.
US President George W. Bush, left, shakes hands with Putin as they meet for the first time at a summit in Ljubljana, Slovenia, in 2001. "I was able to get a sense of his soul, a man deeply committed to his country and the best interests of his country," Bush said.
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Putin and Bush smile after a news conference in Crawford, Texas, in 2001. Putin visited Bush's ranch in Crawford.
Putin and Bush smile after a news conference in Crawford, Texas, in 2001. Putin visited Bush's ranch in Crawford.
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Bush and Putin, wearing traditional Chilean ponchos, walk with Chilean President Ricardo Lagos, left, at the APEC Summit in Santiago, Chile, in 2004.
Bush and Putin, wearing traditional Chilean ponchos, walk with Chilean President Ricardo Lagos, left, at the APEC Summit in Santiago, Chile, in 2004.
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From left, Putin, Bush, first lady Laura Bush and first lady Lyudmila Putina pose for a photo during a brief stop in Moscow in 2006.
From left, Putin, Bush, first lady Laura Bush and first lady Lyudmila Putina pose for a photo during a brief stop in Moscow in 2006.
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US President Barack Obama, left, and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev sign New START, a nuclear arms reduction treaty, in Prague, Czech Republic, in 2010.
US President Barack Obama, left, and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev sign New START, a nuclear arms reduction treaty, in Prague, Czech Republic, in 2010.
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Obama and Medvedev eat cheeseburgers in Arlington, Virginia, in 2010. Earlier, they met in the White House Oval Office.
Obama and Medvedev eat cheeseburgers in Arlington, Virginia, in 2010. Earlier, they met in the White House Oval Office.
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Putin and Obama talk on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in 2014. The two men met multiple times during Obama's two terms.
Putin and Obama talk on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in 2014. The two men met multiple times during Obama's two terms.
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Obama and Putin <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2015/09/28/politics/barack-obama-vladimir-putin-cheers-toast/index.html" target="_blank">share a toast</a> during a UN luncheon in 2015. The two leaders, bitterly at odds over Ukraine and Syria, held one-on-one talks later in the day.
Obama and Putin share a toast during a UN luncheon in 2015. The two leaders, bitterly at odds over Ukraine and Syria, held one-on-one talks later in the day.
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US President Donald Trump chats with Putin on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in Da Nang, Vietnam, in 2017. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2017/11/11/politics/president-donald-trump-vladimir-putin-election-meddling/index.html" target="_blank">Trump said he took Putin at his word</a> that Russia did not seek to interfere in the US presidential election in 2016, despite a finding from US intelligence agencies that it did.
US President Donald Trump chats with Putin on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in Da Nang, Vietnam, in 2017. Trump said he took Putin at his word that Russia did not seek to interfere in the US presidential election in 2016, despite a finding from US intelligence agencies that it did.
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Putin hands Trump a World Cup soccer ball after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2018/07/politics/trump-putin-summit-cnnphotos/" target="_blank">their summit </a>in Helsinki, Finland, in 2018. "Our relationship has never been worse than it is now. However, that changed as of about four hours ago. I really believe that," Trump said during a joint news conference held at the end of the summit. The meeting came just three days after indictments, handed down by special counsel Robert Mueller, charged 12 Russian intelligence officers with hacking into Democrats' computer networks and emails during the 2016 presidential race.
Putin hands Trump a World Cup soccer ball after their summit in Helsinki, Finland, in 2018. "Our relationship has never been worse than it is now. However, that changed as of about four hours ago. I really believe that," Trump said during a joint news conference held at the end of the summit. The meeting came just three days after indictments, handed down by special counsel Robert Mueller, charged 12 Russian intelligence officers with hacking into Democrats' computer networks and emails during the 2016 presidential race.
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Putin shakes hands with US President Joe Biden <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2021/06/16/politics/gallery/biden-putin-summit/index.html" target="_blank">as they met</a> in Geneva, Switzerland, on Wednesday, June 16.
Putin shakes hands with US President Joe Biden as they met in Geneva, Switzerland, on Wednesday, June 16.
Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP