US President Joe Biden and his irritating statements about Vladimir Putin: what did he mean by that?

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He has been in office for exactly one year.

US President Joe Biden answers questions from journalists in Washington.

Biden also commented on what is probably the most important foreign policy question at the moment: Will Vladimir Putin dare a Russian invasion of Ukraine?

Joe Biden, US President:

“I'm not so sure he knows what he's going to do yet.

I suspect he will invade.

He has to do something.”

As if the situation in Eastern Europe wasn't already uncertain enough - Joe Biden irritated with his statements about the case in which Russia would have to reckon with sanctions.

Joe Biden, US President:

“It depends what they're doing.

It's one thing when it's a minor intrusion.

But if they actually do what they are able to do with the forces massed at the border, it will be a disaster for Russia if they continue to invade Ukraine.”

Biden's statements caused a lack of understanding and fierce criticism, especially from the ranks of Republicans.

American media are puzzled as to what the President might have meant by "minor intrusion."

The US broadcaster CNN quoted an unnamed representative of the Ukrainian government on Wednesday.

Biden's statements gave Russian President Putin "the green light to invade Ukraine at will."

It wasn't long before the White House spoke up.

Press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement that the president had made it clear that it would be a "re-invasion" if Russian forces moved across the Ukrainian border.

In that case, the United States and its allies would respond with a "swift, harsh, and united response."

Joe Biden is not only criticized for his performance, but also for his entire first year in office.

His approval ratings among the population are falling, he is fighting on several fronts and has to defend his government work.

But the US is on the right track to fight the corona pandemic and inflation, said Biden.

One challenge that he claims to have underestimated is the resistance of the opposing party.

Joe Biden, US President:

“I didn't expect there would be so much effort to make sure President Biden didn't get anything done.

Think about it: What are Republicans for?

what do they stand for

Tell me one thing they are for.”

Immediately before his appearance, Joe Biden suffered a serious defeat: the reform of the electoral law, one of his most important projects, failed in the US Senate on Wednesday - ultimately also because of dissenters from his own ranks.