US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that he believes Russia is intentionally targeting civilians in Ukraine, but declined to say whether he believes war crimes are being committed.
“It’s clear they are” targeting civilians, Biden said.
Asked if he believed Russia was committing war crimes, Biden said: “We are following closely. It’s too early to say that.”
As the US looks for ways to punish Russia, Biden also reiterated that sanctioning Russian oil exports remains a possibility, although officials have warned that they will work to minimize the impact of such a move on US and global oil prices.
“Nothing is out of the question,” Biden said when pressed specifically to ban Russian oil exports.
Separately, Biden also said that it is up to Ukrainian leader Volodomyr Zelensky to decide whether he wants to remain in his country while it is besieged by Russia.
“I think it’s his judgment and we’re doing everything we can to help him,” Biden said as he left the White House.
Zelensky said he is Russia’s main target during the invasion and that his family is the second. The US has previously said it is providing a wide range of support for Zelensky, although it has not detailed what measures it is taking to protect him.
THE CNN previously reported that the US discussed contingency plans with Zelensky about leaving Ukraine or moving to Lviv. Zelensky has repeatedly stated that he wants to stay in the capital.
Biden and Zelensky talked for about 30 minutes on Tuesday.
A White House adviser said the Biden administration does not want to target the Russian energy sector, at least for now, as the move could harm US consumers. Furthermore, the decision could increase global prices and end up reducing the direct impact on Moscow.
Source: CNN Brasil
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