"Be Quiet": Biden Snaps At Reporter Over Putin's War Threat
Biden Dismisses Putin's Threat as 'Irresponsible and Dangerous'
President Joe Biden sharply criticized a reporter on Thursday for asking about Russian President Vladimir Putin's threat to use nuclear weapons against the United States.
During a press conference in Brussels, Biden was asked by a reporter if he had a message for Putin in light of his bellicose rhetoric.
Biden's Rebuke
Biden responded with irritation, saying, "I'm not going to repeat his threats. I'm not going to give him the space to continue to escalate this." He added, "This is a dangerous and irresponsible way to behave."
Biden's comments came after Putin warned in a televised address that Russia would use nuclear weapons if attacked by the West.
Russia's Provocations
Putin's threat is the latest in a series of provocative actions by Russia in recent weeks.
- Russia has amassed over 100,000 troops on the border of Ukraine, raising fears of an invasion.
- Russia has also conducted military exercises in Belarus, which borders Ukraine to the north.
- Russia has also increased its military presence in the Arctic and the Black Sea.
The United States and its allies have responded to Russia's aggression by imposing sanctions and providing military aid to Ukraine.
Biden's Warning
Biden warned that the United States would "respond decisively" if Russia invades Ukraine.
"I want to make it very clear to President Putin: If he makes the decision to invade Ukraine, he will pay a very heavy price," Biden said.
Diplomacy and Deterrence
Despite the heightened tensions, the United States and Russia have continued diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.
Biden and Putin spoke by phone on Tuesday, but no breakthrough was achieved.
The United States has also been working with its allies to deter Russia from invading Ukraine.
NATO has increased its military presence in Eastern Europe, and the United States has sent additional troops to the region.
The Stakes
The stakes in the Ukraine crisis are high. If Russia invades Ukraine, it would be the first major war in Europe since World War II.
It would also pose a serious threat to the security of NATO and the European Union.
The United States and its allies are determined to prevent Russia from invading Ukraine, but they also recognize the need to avoid a wider conflict.
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