The Cybersecurity 202: Biden denounces Russian hackers in call with Putin Tonya Riley with Aaron Schaffer President Biden's has taken a strong stand against Russian hackers during his first days in office. Biden spoke on the phone with Russian leader Vladimir Putin yesterday afternoon in a call during which he raised concerns about ongoing aggressions, including a massive hacking campaign that breached at least eight federal agencies including the Defense, Commerce and State Departments. “His intention was also to make clear that the United States will act firmly in defense of our national interests in response to malign actions by Russia,” Jen Psaki, White House press secretary, said in a briefing.