Erdogan Slams Biden Over “Killer” Putin Comment: “Not Fitting Of A President”

Perhaps at least pleased that he himself is not the focus of Joe Biden’s ire at the moment after previously being called an “autocrat” (and after he just fired his second central bank head in a mere 4 months), Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan lashed out at the White House over Biden’s characterizing Vladimir Putin as a “killer” during an ABC News interview days ago.

Erdogan said Biden’s comments were “not fitting of a president” and are “unacceptable” on the world stage. “Mr Biden’s comment about Putin does not suit a head of state,” Erdogan told reporters after Friday prayers in Istanbul.

He then praised Putin for giving a “smart” and “classy response” after Putin made the case on state TV that Biden was engaged in mere psychological projection. Putin quipped of the “killer” slur that it “takes one to know one.” He also wished the US president “good health”. 

The Russian leader had also challenged Biden to a live TV debate, which of course the White House shrugged off, saying the two leaders would eventually talk “when the time is right”. 

Ankara and Washington’s relationship is at its lowest point in years, due in large part to Turkey’s procurement of the Russian S-400 anti-air defense system, which drew condemnation from NATO leadership and Brussels.

Despite Turkey being NATO’s second largest military, it was cut off from the US F-35 program over the move, with the US worried its advanced fighter jet would be left vulnerable to Russian spying and infiltration of its systems. 

Biden has also vowed to get tough on Turkey, after it was perceived that Trump had an unusually warm relationship with Erdogan, and batted down Congressional moves to push sanctions. Biden has yet to hold a phone call with Erdogan since taking office.

17 US intelligence agencies agree that Vladimir Putin made Joe Biden trip on the stairs of Air Force One to embarrass and divide America. It’s true, I even heard it on MSNBC and NPR. 😂😂😂 https://t.co/V4YCbscj5N

— Ali Abunimah (@AliAbunimah) March 19, 2021

Meanwhile Erdogan considers Putin a “friend and a strategic partner” after the two within the last few years began cooperating on Syria-related issues, seeing opportunities to thwart Washington designs in various areas of mutual geo-strategic concern.