Asked about Biden‘s comment, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “That’s not for Biden to decide. The president of Russia is elected by the Russians.”

Kremlin says it’s not up to Biden to say if Putin stays in power

A White House official said Biden, speaking in Warsaw, had not called for “regime change” in Russia, but his point was that ” Putin cannot be allowed to wield power over his neighbors or the region.

Happening Now: President Biden delivers remarks on the united efforts of the free world to support the people of Ukraine, hold Russia accountable for its brutal war, and defend a future that is rooted in democratic principles. https://t.co/ZAq0bmfZWg

— The White House 46 Archived (@WhiteHouse46) March 26, 2022

Peskov did not immediately respond to a request for follow – up reaction to the White House clarification.

Joe Biden has stepped up personal attacks on Putin since the Russian president ordered the Ukraine invasion last month, and the Kremlin has responded by questioning the US leader’s mood.

Last week he accused Biden of making “personal insults” toward Putin after calling him a “war criminal” and a “murderous dictator,” saying his comments appeared to have been fueled by irritation, fatigue and forgetfulness.

The Kremlin also said that, with his statements about a possible use of chemical weapons by Russia in Ukraine, Biden wants to “divert attention” from the US chemical and biological weapons program on Ukrainian territory.

“It is clear that the Americans are trying to divert attention by talking about an alleged Russian threat, within the scandal caused (…) by the US chemical and biological weapons development programs in several countries, including Ukraine,” said the Kremlin spokesman. , Dmitry Peskov.