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Putin, Vladimir

Biden Warns of Russian Chemical and Biological Threats, 'Back Against the Wall'

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

US President Joe Biden has escalated warnings about the growing threat of Russian chemical and biological weapons, stating that Vladimir Putin is considering using such measures due to his dwindling options. Speaking at a business roundtable, Mr. Biden emphasized that the false claims made by Russia about Ukraine's alleged possession of biological and chemical weapons are clear signs that Putin is contemplating their use. The US president also cautioned against Russian state hackers and their potential cyber attacks against critical infrastructure. Separately, the situation in Mariupol remains dire, with the city being heavily pounded by Russian forces and over 1,300 people feared trapped in a theatre. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have slowed Russia's advances, and the Ukrainian army has successfully forced Russian troops out of a strategic Kyiv suburb. Zelensky expressed his willingness to engage in talks with Russia, although only if a ceasefire is agreed upon and guarantees of Ukraine's security are provided. Meanwhile, eight people were killed in Kyiv when a Russian missile hit a shopping centre.

Key Takeaways:

  • US President Joe Biden has warned of an increased risk of Russian chemical and biological threats, attributing this to their 'back against the wall' situation.
  • Biden stated that false claims about Ukraine's alleged biological and chemical weapons are a clear sign that Putin is considering using these measures.
  • The US president highlighted the risk of Russian state hackers launching cyber attacks against critical infrastructure.
  • The situation in Mariupol remains catastrophic, with over 1,300 people estimated to be trapped in a theatre and thousands more feared dead.
  • The Ukrainian Armed Forces have successfully slowed Russia's advances and forced Russian troops out of a strategic Kyiv suburb.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed a willingness to engage in talks with Russia if a ceasefire and security assurances are provided.
  • The Russian military has confirmed using state-of-the-art hypersonic Kinzhal missiles to target important Ukrainian infrastructure.
  • A recent shelling in Kyiv killed eight people and damaged a nearby shopping centre.

Statistics:

  • Over 1,300 people are feared trapped in a theatre in Mariupol.
  • At least 2,300 people have died in the siege of Mariupol, with some buried in mass graves.
  • Approximately 3,000 people from Mariupol were evacuated on Monday.
  • The Ukrainian military confirmed that 80 foreign and Ukrainian troops died after a Russian cruise missile hit their training centre.
  • The Russian military has destroyed a shopping centre in Kyiv, killing eight people and injuring unknown numbers.

Sources:

  • "Biden says Putin may be considering chemical and biological attacks in Ukraine" by Cara Anna, Associated Press
  • "Russian shelling in Kyiv kills eight, Ukrainian president says" by Reuters
  • "Ukraine says 3,000 people evacuated from Mariupol" by Reuters
  • "Russia says it will keep using state-of-the-art missiles to hit Ukraine" by Reuters
  • "Ukrainian president offers compromise to end war with Russia" by Reuters
  • "Russian forces bombard Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, wounding at least 4 children" by The New York Times

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