WASHINGTON

The Biden administration is going to take a different approach in its relationship with Russia compared to the former Donald Trump government, according to the White House press secretary on Wednesday.

"We are going to be straightforward, and we are going to be direct, in areas where we have concerns," Jen Psaki said at her daily news conference.

Her remarks came hours after Russia recalled its US ambassador following comments made by Biden that were critical of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Biden affirmatively responded to a question when asked if he considered the Russian leader a "killer" during a pre-taped interview with the ABC News network.

The assessment marks a sharp break in Trump’s warm relationship with Putin.

Besides areas of concern, Psaki said both nations have areas where they can work together, citing the New Start nuclear treaty as an example.

"But our relationship will look different. We will be direct, we will speak out on areas where we have concerns.

"As the president said last night, the Russians will be held accountable for the actions that they have taken," she said.

Washington is also angered by the poisoning of Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny as well as Moscow's actions to divide NATO alliance and its inference in US elections.