Russia-Ukraine War: During a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House, President Joe Biden had a tense confrontation with a journalist regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent remarks about the Ukraine conflict. Biden's frustration was evident when a British reporter inquired about Putin’s warning that lifting restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles could escalate the conflict into a direct US-Russia war.
“Be quiet until I speak, okay? That’s what I say. Good idea?” Biden responded sharply. Despite the reporter's persistence, Biden continued, “You’ve got to be quiet. I’m going to make a statement here, okay?”
Following brief introductory comments from Biden and Starmer, the reporter pressed the issue once more. Biden then remarked, “I don’t think much about Vladimir Putin.”
This exchange occurred amidst escalating tensions surrounding the Ukraine conflict. On Monday, Biden had mentioned the possibility of modifying restrictions on US-supplied weapons to Ukraine, a move that prompted Putin to issue a stern warning. Putin suggested that such a change could be perceived as an act of war, potentially drawing NATO countries, including the US and its European allies, into the conflict.
The war in Ukraine, now ongoing for three years, has raised fears of nuclear escalation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has intensified his actions against Russian forces, including an unexpected invasion of Russian territory on August 6, which has further complicated peace negotiations and impacted US politics ahead of the November 5 election.
Former President Donald Trump has pledged to negotiate a peace deal if re-elected, though there are concerns that such an agreement might involve Ukraine conceding territory currently held by Russia in the south and east.
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