Under Lengthy Grilling From Reporters, Psaki Says Biden Doesn’t Regret Calling Putin a Killer

White House press secretary Jen Psaki, despite a lengthy grilling from reporters at Thursday’s briefing, said that President Joe Biden does not regret calling Russian President Vladimir Putin a killer. 

“President Biden and President Putin certainly have different perspectives on their respective countries and how to approach engagement in the world, but where they agree is that we should continue to work — look for ways to work together, as was noted as part of President Putin’s comments, and there are areas of mutual interest,” Psaki said Thursday, clarifying that Biden’s choice of words should not impact the United States’ ability to work with Russia.

Psaki noted that Russia, like the U.S. is a member of the P5+1, referring to the UN Security Council’s five permanent members.

“We are confident that we can continue to look for ways where there’s a mutual interest, mutual and national interest, but the president is not going to hold back, clearly, when he has concerns, when he has — whether it is with words or actions,” Psaki added before answering questions on fact that Russia has decided to recall its ambassador to the U.S. on Wednesday.

Psaki noted that Ambassador John Sullivan remains in Russia and continues to remain engaged on the ground in Moscow.

“We continue to believe that diplomacy is the first step and should always be the first step and should be our objective as we pursue all relationships,” Psaki continued. “Even with our adversaries.”

Psaki then answered a similar question from NBC News’ Peter Alexander, who asked if Biden regrets calling Putin a Killer.

“No,” Psaki responded. “The president gave a direct answer to a direct question.”

“How is that constructive to the relationship when you talk about diplomacy being primary between the U.S. and Russia. How is calling Vladamir Putin a killer constructive to that relationship?” Alexander pressed.

Psaki pointed to the fact that Biden and Putin have known each other and have been on the global stage together for a long time, adding that Biden believes they can maintain that relationship.

Alexander asked Psaki if Biden then views Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, as a killer.

“I don’t think I need to add more killer names from the podium just today,” Psaki responded.

Watch above, via C-SPAN.