President Joe Biden called Russia’s invasion of Ukraine genocide, saying “Putin is simply trying to erase the idea of even being Ukrainian.”
Speaking on a trip to Iowa on Tuesday, the president spoke of rising gas and other consumer prices amid Russia’s war against Ukraine. “Your family budget, your ability to fill your tank, nothing should depend on that whether a dictator declares war and commits genocide halfway around the world, “he told CNN’s DJ Judd.
Biden later doubled his comments in a statement to reporters, saying lawyers would decide whether Russia’s actions met the international definition of genocide, “but it definitely seems so to me.”
“Yes, I called it genocide – it’s getting clearer and clearer Putin is simply trying to erase the idea of even being Ukrainian, “he added.
Earlier, the president condemned the Kremlin’s attacks on Ukraine by saying Putin is a “war criminal” and must stand trial for war crimes.
The United Nations defines genocide as the killing or infliction of serious harm on a group – national, ethnic, racial or religious – with the intention of destroying the group in whole or in part.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, who before described Russia’s actions as genocide, replied Biden notes on Twitter: “Calling things by their names is essential to oppose evil.” He added that Ukrainians “urgently need more heavy weapons to prevent new Russian atrocities.”
Since Russia launched its attack on Ukraine in late February, the United Nations has tracked nearly 2,000 dead and injured more than 2,500, noting the actual numbers are probably “significantly higher”, with reports of mass deaths in some areas, including Mariupol, yet to be confirmed. This week, the mayor of Mariupol said it was over 10,000 civilians in his city have died during Russian attacks.
Above 4 million Ukrainians have fled their country because of the violence.
Earlier this week, the rap. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) Said Russia’s brutal attack was “obviously genocide”.
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