Secretary of State Marco Rubio refused to say that Russian President Vladimir Putin was a "war criminal," even though he admitted war crimes had been committed during the invasion of Ukraine.
At a Wednesday House hearing, Rep. Bill Keating (D-MA) pressed Rubio for answers about Putin's role in war crimes against Ukraine.
"The person we're negotiating with, Vladimir Putin, is he a war criminal?" Keating asked.
"Well, I think you can look at instances that have happened there and certainly characterize them as war crimes, but our intent is to end the war," Rubio said.
"Is he a war criminal?" Keating repeated.
"We can't end the war without talking to Mr. Putin," Rubio replied.
"Is he a war criminal?" the frustrated Democrat said again.
"I'm trying to answer your question by telling you that we're trying to end the war here," the secretary of state insisted.
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"You are equivocating, sir, just answer the question!" Keating exclaimed.
"I'm answering your question, and the answer is that war crimes have been committed, no doubt," Rubio said without giving a direct answer.
Keating noted that, while a senator, Rubio had previously called Putin a war criminal.
"You're unmaking him a war criminal, and you won't answer the question about the exact same circumstances," the lawmaker said.
"You're putting words in my mouth," Rubio griped. "I've not equivocated."
"Then I'll give you a second chance," Keating remarked. "Is Vladimir Putin a war criminal?"
"I already told you war crimes have been committed," Rubio deflected.
