Biden's First Mention: "Putin is a War Criminal"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] On the 16th (local time), U.S. President Joe Biden labeled Russian President Vladimir Putin, who ordered the invasion of Ukraine, as a "war criminal." This is the first time President Biden has used the term "war criminal" to describe President Putin.

According to CNN, after finishing a speech at the White House that day, President Biden told reporters, "I think he (President Putin) is a war criminal."

CNN assessed that this statement indicates a shift in the Biden administration, which had previously been cautious about using the word "war criminal." Government officials, including President Biden, had been reluctant to use the legal term "war criminal."

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki explained shortly afterward that it was "a statement from the heart."

AP News described it as "the strongest condemnation by U.S. officials of President Putin and Russia's actions since the invasion of Ukraine."

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