Biden calls Putin a killer, vows he'll 'pay a price' for interfering in the election


After a U.S. intelligence assessment concluded Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized efforts to interfere in the 2020 presidential election, President Biden is promising he'll "pay a price."
Biden spoke with ABC News after a declassified intelligence assessment on Tuesday said Putin authorized "influence operations aimed at denigrating President Biden's candidacy" in 2020. When asked what price the Russian leader will pay for these actions, Biden promised that "you'll see shortly."
"He will pay a price," Biden said, adding that he previously spoke with Putin and warned him that "if I establish this occurred, then be prepared."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The intelligence report, released by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, said that Russia sought to denigrate Biden's 2020 candidacy while supporting former President Donald Trump's, as well as undermining confidence in the election. The report also said that Iran carried out an influence campaign seeking to undercut Trump's re-election bid, while China "considered but did not deploy" influence efforts.
When ABC's George Stephanopoulos asked Biden if he believes Putin is a "killer," the president responded, "I do." He also recalled once meeting with Putin and telling the Russian leader, "I don't think you have a soul." According to Biden, Putin responded, "We understand each other." Brendan Morrow
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
South Korea court removes impeached president
Speed Read The Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of Yoon Suk Yeol after his declaration of martial law in December
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Myanmar quake deaths rise as survivor search intensifies
speed read The magnitude-7.7 earthquake in central Myanmar has killed a documented 2,000 people so far, and left scores more trapped beneath rubble
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Like a sound from hell': Serbia and sonic weapons
The Explainer Half a million people sign petition alleging Serbian police used an illegal 'sound cannon' to disrupt anti-government protests
By Abby Wilson Published
-
Israel detains director after West Bank settler clash
speed read The director of Oscar-winning documentary 'No Other Land' was arrested and beaten
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Turkey arrests Istanbul mayor, a top Erdogan rival
Speed Read Protests erupted in Turkey after authorities detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Israel strikes Gaza, breaking ceasefire
Speed Read 326 Palestinians were killed in the first major attack since Netanyahu's government signed a ceasefire agreement with Hamas
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The arrest of the Philippines' former president leaves the country's drug war in disarray
In the Spotlight Rodrigo Duterte was arrested by the ICC earlier this month
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Houthis vow retaliation amid US airstrikes
Speed Read Trump promises the US will use 'overwhelming lethal force' against the Houthis until they stop attacking Red Sea ships
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published