Putin retorts strongly to Biden’s “killer” claim

Thursday marked a huge low for diplomatic relations between Russia and USA, as a war of words between President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin panned out while the world looked on with shock. With Kremlin recalling back its Ambassador to Moscow for an emergency meeting and to discuss "ways to rectify Russia-US ties, which are in crisis", the gravity of the exchange has been established.

Vladimir Putin while speaking at a commemoration of Russia's annexation of Crimea seven years ago, ruled out entirely severing relations with the US, but went to shoot back at Biden’s comment of calling him a “killer” and said, “It takes one to know one,” quoting a proverb from his youth in Saint Petersburg during the Soviet period. He further added referring to Biden’s “killer” comment, "We always see in another person our own qualities and think that he is the same as us."

Putin’s comment came after President Biden’s interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, who asked the President, “So you know Vladimir Putin, you think he is a killer?” to which Biden replied firmly, “I do.”

The Russian embassy put out a strong message, stating, "Certain ill-considered statements of high-ranking US officials have put the already excessively confrontational relations under the threat of collapse."

Recently, the Director of National Intelligence of USA came out with a declassified report which stated that Vladimir Putin authorized operation during the 2020 US Presidential Election to denigrate Biden and support former President Donald Trump, undermine the US Elections and divide the American society.

“The price he is going to pay, well you are going to see it certainly,” said Biden referring to Putin’s alleged election interference. He also mentioned in the interview that in late January, he already warned the Russian President about a potential response in a phone call.

White House Press Secretary, Jen Psaki negated any regret over the comments made by the US President, when asked about the hold up to the response to Russia, she answered, “Some responses maybe seen, some maybe unseen,” she added “The President reserves the right to respond in a manner and time of his choosing.”

The US administration is reportedly considering new sanctions against Russia as soon as next week.