On Tuesday, U.S. President Joe Biden used the term "genocide" for the first time to describe what is happening in Ukraine, seemingly accusing the Russian military, which continues its military operation in Ukraine. In a speech dedicated to efforts to combat inflation delivered in Iowa, the U.S. president stated, "Your family budget, and your ability to fill your gas tank, should not be tied to the declaration of a war dictator committing genocide on the other side of the world."
Biden attributed the additional rise in inflation, which increased fuel prices in the United States by over 18 percent between February and March, to the Russian operation in Ukraine. He noted that "70 percent of the price increase recorded in March was due to Putin raising fuel prices."
In the United States, inflation rose in March to its highest level since December 1981, recording 7.1 percent year-on-year, according to the Consumer Price Index released by the Labor Department on Tuesday. The department clarified in a statement that "the fuel price index rose by 18.3 percent in March" compared to February. Biden stated, "Putin's invasion of Ukraine has raised fuel and food prices around the world."
Republican opposition has criticized Biden for following an economic policy that exacerbates inflation.
