In response to recent remarks made by US President Joe Biden, who referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “dictator,” Dmitry Peskov, the official spokesman for the Kremlin, issued a resolute statement. Peskov emphasized that President Putin does not engage in personal insults against his fellow leaders, highlighting the statesmanlike approach taken by the Russian head of state.
Peskov further elaborated that President Putin maintains a personal perspective regarding such styles of statements made by other leaders.
President Biden’s comments came during a fundraising event for his campaign in New York, where he firmly declared his refusal to align with dictators, making a veiled reference to President Putin.
This is not the first instance of world leaders using derogatory language to describe President Putin, who himself has commented on such instances. Putin, employing a Russian proverb, previously stated that “who calls names deserves those names himself,” alluding to those who resort to personal insults.
During his speech, President Biden also brought up former US President Donald Trump in the context of his remarks about Russia, suggesting that Trump and his supporters may be inclined to appease Russia, whereas he himself would not follow that path.
Biden’s recent comments are not isolated incidents. In the spring of 2022, he referred to Putin as a “murderous dictator” and a “pure thug.” On March 26, Biden went a step further, labeling Putin a “butcher.” Subsequently, US State Department Energy Security Advisor Amos Hawksteen offered an explanation for Biden’s strong-worded statements, attributing them to emotional reactions.