In a tense exchange on Friday, President Joe Biden sharply rebuked a reporter who pressed him about Russian President Vladimir Putins recent threat of war in response to Ukraines use of long-range missiles. The confrontation unfolded as Biden commenced a White House meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Washington. The US President scolded Sky News US correspondent James Matthews, demanding he be quiet and allow Biden to finish his remarks first.You be quiet until I speak, Biden tells reporterI say you be quiet until I speak. Okay Thats what I say. Good idea Biden sternly told the 81-year-old reporter, as tensions mounted during the meeting on Friday. This sharp exchange came amidst rumors that the US might allow Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory using Western-supplied missiles. The reporter questioned Bidens stance on Putins warning that such actions could spark a conflict between Russia and NATO.Undeterred, Matthews persisted, asking, But what do you say to [Russian President] Vladimir Putins threat of war, sir Its a serious threat.Biden, repeating his earlier command, stated, “Youve got to be quiet. Im going to make a statement here, okay” According to reports, Matthews was part of the travelling British press, unfamiliar with the American protocol of waiting for the president to finish speaking before asking questions.Bidens response to Putins threatUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been pressing his Western allies to permit the use of long-range US and UK missiles against Russian forces. When asked about Putins threats, Biden dismissed them, saying, “I dont think much about Vladimir Putin.” He also confirmed that discussions were ongoing regarding easing restrictions on Ukraines missile use, stating, “Were working that out right now.” Putin had previously warned that if the US allowed such actions, it could escalate the conflict into a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia.
