[이데일리 방성훈 기자] U.S. President Joe Biden has provoked an outcry over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s comments that he “should no longer remain in power”. Some European countries, such as France and Europe, have expressed their vigilance, saying that it would heighten military tensions. As the controversy spread, President Biden clarified that “there was no sign of regime change.”
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According to Bloomberg News and CNN on the 27th (local time), President Biden said in a speech in Poland the day before, “Please, I hope, this person[Putin]cannot remain in power.” .
It was not in the original manuscript, and it was a closing remark that came out immediately on the spot, drawing attention. It is unclear whether the remarks were intentionally and strategically planned, or whether the remarks were made out of excitement, but the controversy grew as the US media later interpreted them as “remarks suggesting a change of government” and “implying Putin’s ouster.”
President Biden’s accusation of Putin as a “slaughterer” following meeting with Ukrainian refugees also took a hit. Concerns have been raised that Russia might misuse President Biden’s remarks as a problem.
France and Britain showed a distance, saying that the remarks might heighten a sense of military escalation.
French President Emmanuel Macron said in a French TV interview, “If it were me, I wouldn’t use that word.” At the same time, he insisted that a ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian troops should be pursued through a diplomatic solution, and that “we must not aggravate the situation with words or actions.”
British Education Minister Nadim Zahawi said: “[Putin’s future]depends on the Russian people.” British Conservative MP Tobias Elwood tweeted that “President Biden was not wise” and that “the decision is made by the Russian people”. He also warned that Putin might be vindictive and try to fight more.
Criticism came from within the United States as well. “President Biden has made difficult and dangerous situations more difficult and dangerous,” Richard Haas, president of the American Foreign Relations Association (CFR), wrote on Twitter. David Petraeus, who served as the commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) International Security Assistance Force and former director of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), said in an ABC interview that “it might complicate matters in the future.”
On the other hand, Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio said in a TV interview: “President Biden made it clear that Putin must stop[the war]through his clear speech. He must not forget that Putin is using a bomb.”
As the controversy spread, President Biden began to evolve. When asked if he was asking for a regime change in a meeting with reporters, he answered “no”. US Secretary of State Tony Blincoln, who visited Israel, also assisted, saying, “The point of President Biden’s remarks is that Putin has no power to wage war or invade anywhere, including Ukraine.”
