Biden "Considering Additional Sanctions on Russia... Major Mistake by the Republican Party"

U.S. President Joe Biden said on the 19th (local time) that he is considering additional sanctions against Russia in connection with the sudden death of Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny. He also criticized the Republicans opposing the passage of the Ukraine aid bill, saying they are making a "big mistake," and expressed willingness to meet with House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, if necessary.

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President Biden told reporters that day regarding the possibility of additional sanctions related to Navalny's death, "We are already imposing sanctions, but we are considering additional sanctions."

Navalny, who had exposed corruption among high-ranking Russian officials and publicly criticized government policies, suddenly died on the 16th in a Siberian prison. Navalny's associates and the West have raised suspicions of assassination and are holding the Russian government accountable, but President Vladimir Putin has remained silent.

Immediately after Navalny's death, President Biden directly accused Putin, saying, "Putin is responsible for Navalny's death."

President Biden also urged the swift passage of the Ukraine aid budget, criticizing the Republicans for ignoring the threat from Russia. The U.S. Congress passed a $95 billion (about 127 trillion won) aid package for Ukraine and Israel in the Senate. Of this, $60.7 billion (about 81 trillion won) is allocated for Ukraine. However, the Republican majority in the House opposes the bill, arguing that the budget for strengthening the southern border is missing, causing the bill to stall.

President Biden criticized, "They (the Republicans) are making a big mistake by not responding," adding, "The way they are distancing themselves from the threat of Russia, from NATO, and from our obligations is shocking."

Regarding the possibility that Navalny's death might lead the Republicans to cooperate positively in passing the Ukraine aid bill, he said, "I hope so, but I can't be sure there will be a change." On plans to meet with House Speaker Johnson, a Republican, he said, "If he has something to say, I would be happy to meet with him."

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