Russia-Ukraine Crisis: U.S. Pres. Joe Biden Brands Russian President Vladimir Putin a "War Criminal"

U.S. President Joe Biden told the press on Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is a "war criminal," while condemning Russia's bombing of apartment buildings, maternity wards, hospitals, and other civilian targets.

The administration was asked for clarification on Biden's statement, wherein White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki answered that the president's remarks "speak for themselves," according to an Axios report.

Psaki noted that Biden was "speaking from his heart" and speaking based on what they have seen on the television. She then described those as "barbaric actions" by a "brutal dictator."

It was the first time that the United States president has labeled the Russian president a "war criminal," while other senior officials had previously declined to say the same statement.

Officials instead expressed concern about alleged Russian atrocities and support for an international war crimes investigation.

Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called Biden's statements "unacceptable" and "unforgivable" rhetoric.

U.S. President Joe Biden's "War Criminal" Statement

Peskov said that they believe "such rhetoric" to be unacceptable and unforgivable on the part of the head of a state, "whose bombs have killed hundreds of thousands of people around the world," according to a BBC News report.

Meanwhile, Psaki said that a legal review is underway at the State Department to review Russia's actions in Ukraine and whether they constitute war crimes.

The Senate unanimously approved a resolution condemning the violence in Ukraine and calling for an investigation of Putin, as well as members of his regime for war crimes, according to a CBS News report.

The International Court of Justice has ordered Russia to cease its invasion, and has opened an investigation regarding the war.

Meanwhile, the United Nations human rights office recorded around 600 civilian deaths. However, it is believed that the toll is much higher.

Russia-Ukraine Crisis

The U.S. has warned earlier that China had signaled willingness to provide military assistance to Russia.

The United States then stated that China will face consequences if it helps Russia evade sanctions in its invasion of Ukraine, according to another BBC News report.

The Chinese foreign ministry then accused the U.S. of spreading disinformation while Russia has denied asking Beijing for military help.

The statements came before top U.S. and Chinese officials met in Rome.

Russia has reportedly asked China specifically for military equipment, including drones. The U.S. warned allies that China had suggested it was open to a move to provide military and economic support, according to reports.

U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that they will not allow that to go forward and allow a lifeline to Russia from the economic sanctions.

Sullivan added that while the U.S. believed China was aware that Putin was "planning something" before the invasion happened, the Beijing government may not have grasped the full extent of it.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Biden calls Putin a 'war criminal' - from ABC News