Why do so many people care so deeply about whether Putin congratulated Biden? What, are they best buddies? Is there an international law requiring that you congratulate projected winners of US elections? Will it add to Biden's electoral legitimacy to be recognised by Putin?
In any case, why would you expect Russia, which has had a generally nasty relationship with the US for years, to congratulate Biden, who had recently called Russia the main foreign "threat" faced by the United States, and promised tough measures to counter Russia's aggression?
- OMG, Putin had not congratulated Biden - can you believe it?
- Yes, I can believe it, and I am not surprised. In fact, I'd be surprised if Putin went out on a limb to congratulate a candidate where the other candidate is yet to concede or, indeed, peacefully relinquish power.
- Yes, I can believe it, and I am not surprised. In fact, I'd be surprised if Putin went out on a limb to congratulate a candidate where the other candidate is yet to concede or, indeed, peacefully relinquish power.
Incidentally, while I don't think Biden congratulated Putin in 2018 (Trump did, prompting fierce criticism), there was a serious debate in the Obama administration about whether and how to congratulate Putin in 2012. @McFaul has a fascinating account here: nytimes.com/2018/03/20/us/… 
To conclude, a Soviet joke. A man is marching on the Red Square. On passing the Mausoleum he shouts out to Soviet leaders atop: "The warmest of greetings!"
-Since when do you love them so much, a man marching next to him asks.
-Well, I can't just tell them: "Burn in hell!"
-Since when do you love them so much, a man marching next to him asks.
-Well, I can't just tell them: "Burn in hell!"
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