President Joe Biden labeled Russian President Vladimir Putin a butcher after speaking with refugees in Warsaw, Poland, on Saturday, in a harsh condemnation of Putin’s actions in Ukraine, which have resulted in millions of refugees fleeing to neighboring nations.
During the tour, reporters asked Biden what seeing the Ukrainian migrants at Stadion Narodowy reminded him of in his daily dealings with Putin.
Biden has increased his rhetoric against Putin in the last ten days, after first trying to downplay a personal rivalry between himself and Putin. Last week, Biden referred to Putin as a war criminal for the first time, and then as a murderous dictator, a thug who is waging an unethical war against the people of Ukraine. He also described Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as inhumane.
On Wednesday, the US State Department formally determined that Russian military personnel had committed war crimes in Ukraine. After weeks of refusing to acknowledge that the assaults against civilians in Ukraine were war crimes, the US government took a huge step forward by issuing a formal complaint. It remains to be seen, however, if those accused of committing the alleged crimes will face any consequences, and whether Putin himself will be held accountable.
Biden’s new remarks on Putin came as he spoke about the European refugee crisis, which is causing millions of people to escape their homes in Ukraine. In Warsaw, the President met with chef José Andrés and other volunteers at a food distribution facility for Andrés’ World Center Kitchen, a nonprofit dedicated to providing disaster relief meals. Some of the volunteers, some from Europe and some from the United States, met with Biden.
The Russian military’s advances appear to have slowed around major Ukrainian cities like Kyiv and Kharkiv, and a top Russian general believes the first phase of their invasion is complete, with the focus now shifting to Ukraine’s east. Russia has also failed to gain air superiority in Ukraine and has incurred significant manpower losses since the invasion began.
“I’m not sure they have,” Biden answered when asked if Russia has changed its military approach in Ukraine.
