by Brayden Yee
In a recent speech made by President Biden, he stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin “cannot remain in power”. The statement sent the White House on a clean-up operation over the weekend, with Biden later stating that his statement was out of outrage, and was not a change in US policy.
Biden’s statement was played down by the White House, stating that Biden was not saying to remove Putin from power, rather that Putin should not be allowed to exert power over adjacent nations. Biden then stated that the statement was directed at the Russian public, explaining that he wanted to make clear that the behavior exhibited by Putin is unacceptable, and the world should know that. Biden also explained that his words were influenced by him visiting Ukrainian families, and made no apologies for what he said.
This has been the third time the Biden administration has felt like they needed to clarify the president's remarks in relation to the Russia-Ukraine war, though this is likely the time with the highest stakes. Many diplomats have brushed off Biden’s remark, stating that what he said won’t affect Russia’s handling of the war. Some have even praised Biden’s remarks, stating that it was much needed, and could give hope to the Russian populous.
The Kremlin response to the remark made by Biden was officially given out by Dmitry Peskov who stated that Biden was not to decide the fate of Putin. He stated on Monday that the words used were a cause for concern, and that Russia would continue to monitor what is being said by the president.
Others have spoken out against Biden’s statements. French president Emmanuel Macron stated that Biden was not helping with diplomatic efforts, and is escalating tensions between the West and Russia. In the US, Democrats mainly repeated White House clarifications, while Republicans stated that during this time, Biden should be more careful with his words, arguing that they play into the hands of Putin and Russian propaganda.
It is still not clear what the repercussions of it will be. Many have argued that the West shouldn’t be scared about what they say, while others argue that Biden needs to play it safe during the time of war.
edited by William Cao and Vishal Krishnaiah
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