United States President Joe Biden on Friday branded his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin “a thug” during his speech at the “Friends of Ireland” luncheon hosted by Speaker Mike Johnson on Capitol Hill ahead of St Patrick’s Day.
Biden stressed that the US must bow down to no one and stand up against the Russian leader as “history is watching” the Ukraine conflict claim thousands of lives around the world.
Biden said: “I’m committed to continue to do our part. I’m confident the vast majority of members of Congress are willing to do their part and continue to urge every member in this room to stand up to Vladimir Putin. He’s a thug.”
The 81-year-old Democratic presidential candidate’s comments come amid his pressure on Congress to pass a Senate-approved $95 billion foreign military aid bill which includes military aid for Ukraine and humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
While speaking at the event, Biden added: “They’re badly, badly needed and it sends a clear message America stands up for freedom and we bow down to no-one to no-one in the world.”
He continued: “I think we stand at an inflection point, not only in American history but in world history. The decisions we make now are going to determine what the next 3-4-5-6 decades are going to look like.
“And I believe history is watching. History is watching today. Let us resolve the march forward with each other and all those who struggle with all those who seek a better future, like our ancestors.”
