Joe Biden describes Vladimir Putin as a “war criminal” amid fierce fighting in Ukraine (File)
Russia on Monday called on the U.S. ambassador in protest after President Joe Biden branded Russian leader Vladimir Putin as a “war criminal” for Moscow’s actions in Ukraine, saying he had jeopardized relations.
“Such a statement by an American president, who does not qualify for a high-ranking statesman, has put Russian-American relations on the brink of rupture,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.
The statement said ambassador John Sullivan had been handed a formal letter of protest in relation to the “recent unacceptable statement” made by Biden.
He warned that “hostile action taken against Russia will receive a firm and decisive response,” the ministry said.
Biden described Putin as a “war criminal” in a statement to reporters last week, amid fierce fighting in Ukraine after Moscow sent tens of thousands of troops to the pro-Western country.
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