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- Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that he and U.S. President Joe Biden should hold live online talks after Biden said he thought the Russian leader was a killer
- Putin cited a Russian children’s playground chant in response to Biden’s accusations, arguing that “he who said it, did it”
- The two leaders last spoke by phone of January 26, but Putin has proposed another conversation, either on Friday or Monday, to be held by video-link and broadcast live
- White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Biden had no regrets about calling Putin a killer but that he “will of course be in Georgia tomorrow and quite busy”
- Russia is also preparing to be hit with a new round of sanctions in the coming days over allegations of election interference and hacking by the U.S.
Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that he and U.S. President Joe Biden should hold live online talks after Biden said he thought the Russian leader was a killer.
With tensions at a new post-Cold War low, Putin cited a Russian children’s playground chant in response to Biden’s accusations, arguing that “he who said it, did it.”
The tit-for-tat was sparked after Biden, during an interview broadcast by ABC News on Wednesday, said “I do” when asked if he believed Putin was a killer, adding that he also believed the Russian president did not have a soul.
Biden was quick to extend a nuclear arms pact with Russia after taking office, but his administration said it would take a tougher stance on Moscow than that of Donald Trump’s, engaging with the Kremlin only when it had real benefit for the U.S.
The two leaders last spoke by phone of January 26, but Putin has proposed another conversation, either on Friday or Monday, to be held by video-link and broadcast live.
“I want to offer President Biden that we continue our discussion, but on the condition that we do it live, online, without any delays,” Putin said in a television interview when asked about Biden’s remarks.
White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki on Thursday said Biden had no regrets about calling Putin a killer, but added that he “will of course be in Georgia tomorrow and quite busy.”
In what is considered a highly unusual move, Russia recalled its ambassador to the United States for consultations after Biden’s interview.
Russia is also preparing to be hit with a new round of sanctions in the coming days over allegations of election interference and hacking by the U.S.
