Biden says it's 'clear' Putin is 'intentionally targeting civilians,' refuses to say he's committing war crimes

President Joe Biden took some questions from reporters on the White House lawn Wednesday, refusing to specifically say whether or not Russian President Vladimir Putin is committing war crimes in his invasion of Ukraine.

“Do you believe Russia is committing war crimes in Ukraine?” asked a reporter.

“We are following it very closely. It’s early to say that,” the president responded.

Not to be deterred, another reporter asked a similar question about the reported targeting of civilians by Russian forces.

“Mr. President, do you believe Russia is intentionally targeting civilian areas? There are over 2,000 civilian deaths right now…” the other reporter noted.

“It’s clear they are,” Biden responded.

International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan has announced a formal investigation into Russia’s actions after several accusations.

resident Joe Biden told press at the White House on Wednesday that he is following reports of Russian war crimes in Ukraine “very closely” and said “it’s clear” that Russia is deliberately targeting Ukrainian civilians. pic.twitter.com/CL5JiO3Znr

— Newsweek (@Newsweek) March 2, 2022

Social media didn’t take such a diplomatic approach in answering the question: (** Language warning)

I don’t understand why Biden says it’s too early to say #Putin is committing war crimes

If he says #Russia is using banned weapons,intentionally killing civilians & unnecessarily destroying civilian property then it’s clear he is committing war crimes https://t.co/ak986UYQ0b

— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) March 2, 2022

The @USAmbUN says:

“#Russia has bombed residential apartment buildings. It has bombed sacred burial grounds. It has shelled kindergartens & orphanages & hospitals.”

But @POTUS says:

It’s “too early” to say war crimes have been committed?

— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) March 2, 2022

“nothing is off the table” means: “absolutely not”

— David Flood (@_FlashFlood_) March 2, 2022

Go back to bed Joe.

— Vern (@REMITINTEGRITY) March 2, 2022

A “party” man through and through, waiting for the next printed statement.

— Doreen C. (@ciancagl1) March 2, 2022

He can’t say that killing civilians is a war crime because he recently incinerated a car full of children in Afghanistan. But I can answer: Yes. It’s a fucking war crime. Send Putin and Biden both to The Hague to stand trial. Warmongers are responsible for the consequences of war

— FudgeTosser (@FudgeTosser) March 2, 2022

Nobody’s “blaming” Biden for anything except being senile.

If it’s clear someone is targeting civilians, it’s clear war crimes are being committed.

It’s OK to just fucking say that.

— Rico (@RJBaconium) March 2, 2022

Reasoning not a strong point with this guy.

— Steven P. Smith (@stevenpsmith) March 2, 2022

pic.twitter.com/d21lMkPmI1

— Roberto 🇺🇸 (@robasturias) March 2, 2022

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