Steve Holland

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – U.S. President Joe Biden said Monday that his comment about Russian President Vladimir Putin not being allowed to remain in power was a reflection of his moral outrage over Russia’s invasion and not a U.S. shift in policy.

Biden had to answer questions after the comment sparked a flood of inquiries about whether the United States was now seeking to change its policy towards Moscow.

“I didn’t say anything at the time, nor do I intend to now,” he said. He said that he was simply expressing the moral outrage he felt and that he does not apologize to reporters.

His outburst at Saturday’s major speech about Ukraine was caused by an emotional visit with the families of those who had been forced to flee by Russia’s invasion.

Biden said that Putin could not remain at the helm of the Polish capital after his speech. After the speech, Biden added a line that was unscripted. He stated that Putin “cannot remain in power.”

Biden stated Monday that he would not “walk any back” by clarifying the comment. Asked whether the remark would spur a negative response from Putin, Biden said, “I don’t care what he thinks. … He’s going to do what he’s going to do.”

Biden again suggested that Putin shouldn’t be the leader of Russia. If Putin “continues on the course that he’s on, he’s going to become a pariah worldwide and who knows what he becomes at home in terms of support,” Biden said.

Biden stated that it was possible to meet with Putin but “it depends” on the topics he wishes to discuss.

Biden described Putin earlier in the month as a war criminal for his involvement in conflict that has resulted in many deaths of civilians in Ukraine.

Biden stated that his Saturday remark about Putin was meant for Russian audiences. Biden stated that the last section of his speech was about Russian people. This was not just for the Russian people but to all of humanity. I am simply stating the fact that such behavior is unacceptable. This behavior is completely unacceptable.”