3 months ago
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President Joe Biden sharply rebuked a
journalist
on Friday for pressing him about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent warning regarding
Ukraine
. During a meeting at the White House with UK Prime Minister
Keir Starmer
, Biden grew visibly irritated when a reporter from the British press corps asked him to comment on Putin’s statement that lifting restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles could escalate the conflict into a direct US-Russia war, reported the New York Post.
“Be quiet until I speak, okay? That’s what I say. Good idea?” Biden retorted, visibly frustrated. The reporter continued to press, asking Biden to address Putin’s serious threat.
Biden responded curtly, “You’ve got to be quiet. I’m going to make a statement here, okay?”
The exchange highlighted a potential miscommunication, as the journalist seemed unfamiliar with the protocol of waiting for the president to finish his remarks before asking questions. Following Biden and Starmer’s brief introductory statements, the reporter again posed the question, leading Biden to dismissively comment, “I don’t think much about Vladimir Putin.”
The incident comes amid heightened tensions over the conflict in Ukraine. On Monday, Biden confirmed that he was considering relaxing restrictions on the use of US-supplied weapons by Ukraine, a move that has provoked a stern warning from Putin. The Russian leader stated that such a decision would be interpreted as an act of war, potentially implicating
NATO
countries, including the US and its European allies, in the conflict.
Putin warned, “This will mean that NATO countries — the US and European countries — are at war with Russia,” and hinted at possible responses based on the new threats posed to Russia.
As the war in Ukraine continues into its third year, concerns about a potential nuclear escalation persist. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has taken increasingly bold actions against Russian forces, including a surprise invasion of Russian territory on August 6. This move has complicated peace negotiations and influenced US political dynamics as the November 5 election approaches.
Former President Donald Trump has pledged to swiftly negotiate a peace deal if elected, although there are fears that this could lead to Ukraine conceding territory currently held by Russia in the country’s south and east.
