Biden accuses Putin of ‘genocide’, Ukrainian President praises comments, Putin defends his actions

Picture Courtesy: Newsweek

US president Joe Biden accused Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions of invasion of Ukraine as ‘genocide’ on Tuesday. This is the first time he's publicly done so since the start of the war.

In his statement, while in Iowa where he was discussing gasoline prices he said, "Your family budget, your ability to fill up your tank, none of it should hinge on whether a dictator declares war and commits genocide a half a world away.”

While on his way back to Washington, he further stood by his statement and said, “I called it genocide because it has become clearer and clearer that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is just trying to wipe out the idea of being able to be Ukrainian, and the evidence is mounting. We'll let the lawyers decide internationally whether or not it qualifies, but it sure seems that way to me.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised Joe Biden’s comments on Twitter. He tweeted, “True words of a true leader @POTUS. Calling things by their names is essential to stand up to evil. We are grateful for US assistance provided so far and we urgently need more heavy weapons to prevent further Russian atrocities.”

Putin on the other hand today defended his actions. Putin said that Moscow had "no choice" but to intervene to protect separatists, defeat neo-Nazis, and "help people."