Vladimir Putin VOWS to continue war in Ukraine in rare public appearance, as Joe Biden says Russia committing ‘genocide’

RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin has vowed to continue the war in the Ukraine during a rare public appearance.

Meanwhile US President Joe Biden called the invasion genocide – and accused Putin of “trying to wipe out the idea of being Ukrainian”.

Yesterday Putin said the bloody offensive in Ukraine would continue until his goals are fulfilled.

He insisted the campaign was going as planned, despite a major withdrawal in the face of stiff opposition and significant losses.

The despot said his invasion aimed to protect people in parts of eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed rebels and to ensure Russia’s own security.

He added that Russia had no other choice but to launch what he dubbed a special military operation – and vowed it would continue until his land grab was complete.

It comes as Biden hardened his rhetoric when discussing the conflict.

Last week he said did Russia’s actions constituted war crimes.

But on Tuesday, addressing spiking energy prices resulting from the war, Biden accused Putin of carrying out genocide against Ukraine.

Neither he nor his administration announced new consequences for Russia or assistance to Ukraine following Biden’s public assessment.

Thousands of Ukrainians have been killed during the conflict in shelling and during murderous rampages by Putin’s troops.

Almost 20,000 Russian servicemen have lost their lives during the bungled invasion, with soldiers facing fierce resistance.

Biden’s comments drew praise from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who had encouraged Western leaders to use the term to describe Russia’s invasion of his country.

He tweeted: “True words of a true leader @POTUS.

“Calling things by their names is essential to stand up to evil. We are grateful for US assistance provided so far and we urgently need more heavy weapons to prevent further Russian atrocities.

Biden said it would be up to lawyers to decide if Russia’s conduct met the international standard for genocide, as Ukrainian officials have claimed, but said it sure seems that way to me.

It comes as The Sun revealed Russian soldiers were left rotting in their bunkers yesterday as Ukraine’s troops overran their positions — but a deadly new onslaught by Putin’s forces is feared within days.

The Sun witnessed scenes of carnage following a major battle outside Kharkiv — even as Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to press on with his slaughter in the east.

Bodies lay slumped in blown-open dugouts after Ukraine seized control of a ridgeline in the three-day battle for Mala Rohan — where soldiers are confident they can defeat Russia.