Biden’s off-script Putin comments were a ‘serious misstep’

US President Joe Biden is facing international backlash for an unscripted comment about Russian President Vladimir Putin, which has European leaders fearing an escalation into direct conflict with Russia.

President Biden and his administration has had to clarify the United States is not seeking regime change in Russia after Mr Biden said Vladimir Putin “cannot remain in power” during an address in Poland.

Sky News Washington correspondent Annelise Nielsen says the remark is a “severe escalation of the rhetoric” and could potentially provide Russia with impetus for attack.

“And just to underscore how serious a misstep it is, a lot of the people pushing back against this are US allies and his administration itself,” she said.

French President Emmanuel Macron has been overtly critical of the comments, telling broadcaster France 3 the war in Ukraine should not be escalated with “words nor actions”.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken attempted to clarify the President’s comments soon after, claiming Mr Biden was instead making a point about the Russian President not being allowed to engage in aggression with neighbouring countries.

Видео Biden’s off-script Putin comments were a ‘serious misstep’ канала Sky News Australia