Biden: "Putin's Genocide Becomes Clear" ... First Official Designation

One Step Ahead of the US Government

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] U.S. President Joe Biden stated on the 12th (local time) that "It is becoming increasingly clear that Russian President Vladimir Putin is trying to exterminate Ukrainians," defining Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a 'genocide.'

President Biden told reporters in Iowa on the same day, "There is growing evidence that Russia is committing genocide," adding, "Legal experts will determine whether it qualifies as genocide under international law, but I certainly see it that way."

Earlier that day, during a visit to a biofuel plant, he said, "Family budgets and the ability to fill fuel tanks should not be determined by a dictator on the other side of the world declaring war and committing genocide." This statement is interpreted as a direct criticism of President Putin regarding rising oil prices.

This is the first time President Biden has referred to Russia's invasion of Ukraine as genocide. On the 4th, when asked whether the massacre of civilians in Bucha constituted genocide, he only described it as a "war crime."

The official stance of the U.S. government has also moved a step forward. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan recently said, "We have witnessed atrocities and war crimes," but added, "We do not believe it rises to the level of genocide to the extent of depriving Ukrainians of their lives."

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