Kremlin Lambasts Biden's 'Crazy SOB' Remark as U.S.-Russia Relations Plummet
The Kremlin lashed out at Joe Biden's recent characterization of Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "crazy SOB", condemning the choice of language and accusing the U.S. president of adopting a failed "Hollywood cowboy" persona.
Biden's remark, part of a broader commentary on global threats including Putin, nuclear conflict, and climate change, drew swift rebuke from Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. He dismissed the language as a misguided attempt at machismo, asserting that such rhetoric only reflects poorly on those who employ it.
Peskov's sentiments were echoed by Dmitry Medvedev, a Putin ally and former president, who derided Biden as "senile" and blamed him for exacerbating tensions between the two nations.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova took aim at Biden's family, suggesting that the phrase "crazy son of a bitch" might better apply to his own offspring, alluding to controversies involving Biden's son, Hunter Biden.
The Russian media was quick to seize upon Biden's comments, with headlines highlighting the perceived insult to Putin and framing it as part of a broader campaign to vilify the Russian leader ahead of the upcoming election in March.
Tensions between the U.S. and Russia have escalated in recent years, exacerbated by conflicts in Ukraine, the death of opposition figure Alexei Navalny, and allegations of Russian aggression in space. The deterioration in relations has been described as the most severe since the Cold War, with diplomatic channels strained to their limits.
Biden's blunt condemnation of Navalny's death and previous assertions regarding Putin's leadership have further inflamed tensions, drawing sharp criticism from Moscow and exacerbating the rift between the two nations.
Despite occasional attempts at diplomatic reconciliation, such as Biden's explanation of his "killer" remark, the fundamental divide between the U.S. and Russia remains stark. As both countries navigate a precarious geopolitical landscape, the rhetoric exchanged between their leaders underscores the fragility of their relationship and the challenges ahead.
