Vladimir Putin on Comments on Joe Biden
Vladimir Putin's perspective on Comments on Joe Biden has been characterized by sharp, public retorts to specific statements, particularly when Biden has used adversarial language.
For instance, after Biden called Putin a "killer" in 2021, Putin responded by suggesting Biden was projecting his own flaws, using the Russian saying, "I know you are, but what am I?" and wishing Biden good health, an action Moscow signaled would guide future relations, leading to the recall of its ambassador to the US.
More recently, Putin has expressed a preference for Biden over his political rival, Donald Trump, describing Biden as a "more experienced" and "predictable person" and a "politician of the old school" in 2024. However, Putin also acknowledged Biden's subsequent condemnation of him as a "crazy SOB" as a sign that Putin's preference for Biden was correct from Russia's standpoint, maintaining a complex and transactional view of the US leader.
Context
The relationship between Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden is central to current US-Russia relations, which have been described as reaching a new low post-Cold War, especially following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Comments from the US President directly shape the Kremlin's public posture and diplomatic actions, as evidenced by Russia recalling its ambassador following the "killer" remark in 2021. Putin's responses are thus strategic communications aimed both domestically and internationally regarding the state of bilateral ties.
Timeline
- President Biden stated in an interview that he believed Putin was a "killer" and would "pay a price" for alleged 2020 election interference.
- Putin responded by quoting a phrase suggesting "it takes one to know one" and wished Biden "good health," while his spokesman warned that Russia would be "guided by" Biden's clear desire not to normalize relations.
- Putin asserted that Biden's comments reflected the United States' own troubled past, referencing slavery and the treatment of Native Americans.
- Putin stated he preferred Biden over Trump in the upcoming election, calling Biden "more experienced" and "predictable," despite Biden being a fierce critic of the Kremlin.
- When Biden subsequently called Putin a "crazy SOB," Putin cited this insult as confirmation that his preference for Biden was correct for Russia's interests.
Actions Taken
- Diplomatic ActionSummoned the Russian ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, back to Moscow for consultations following Biden's 'killer' comment.
Key Quotes
I say that without irony and not as a joke,” Putin said.
We always see in another person our own qualities and think that he is the same as us. It takes one to know one.
He is a more experienced, predictable person. He is a politician of the old school.”
Judging by what he just said, I am absolutely right,” [that Biden is more preferable for Russia].
What Others Say
Putin's spokesman described Biden's remarks as "very bad" and making it clear that Biden "doesn't want to normalize relations" with Russia.
A White House spokesperson told Putin to "stay out of America's elections" following his expressed preference for Biden in 2024.
The Deputy Speaker of the Russian parliament called Biden's "boorish statement" in 2021 a watershed moment whose assessments were "inadmissible for a statesman of his rank."
Comparison
When assessing Joe Biden, Vladimir Putin contrasts him with his predecessor, Donald Trump:
- Biden is viewed as a "politician of the old school" and "more experienced"; Trump was previously praised by Putin as a "non-systemic politician."
- The Biden administration has been the biggest supporter of Kyiv against Russia's invasion, while Trump has made favorable comments about Putin in the past.
Sources5
Putin responds to Biden's comments that he's a killer - The Washington Post
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.