Joe Biden tells journalist to 'be quiet' during heated exchange over Vladimir Putin’s war threat

Russia-Ukraine War: President Joe Biden issued a strong response to a journalist's question about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s warning on Ukraine during a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House. Biden became visibly frustrated when a reporter from the British press asked him to comment on Putin’s statement that lifting restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles could escalate the conflict into a direct US-Russia war, according to the New York Post.

“Be quiet until I speak, okay? That’s what I say. Good idea?” Biden replied, showing irritation. The reporter continued, prompting Biden to respond, “You’ve got to be quiet. I’m going to make a statement here, okay?”

After the brief introductory statements by Biden and Starmer, the reporter again asked about Putin. In response, Biden remarked, “I don’t think much about Vladimir Putin.”


The exchange took place amid rising tensions over the Ukraine conflict. On Monday, Biden mentioned he was considering changing restrictions on US-supplied weapons to Ukraine, a decision that led to a stern warning from Putin. Putin indicated that such a move would be seen as an act of war and potentially involve NATO countries, including the US and European allies.

The conflict in Ukraine has been ongoing for three years, raising concerns about nuclear escalation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's actions against Russian forces have intensified, including an unexpected invasion of Russian territory on August 6, complicating peace talks and influencing US politics ahead of the November 5 election.

Former President Donald Trump has vowed to negotiate a peace deal if re-elected, though some fear this could result in Ukraine conceding territory currently held by Russia in the south and east.