Biden scolds Sky News journalist for question on Putin's Nato war threats

US President Joe Biden has expressed frustration with a question from a Sky News journalist, cutting the reporter off mid-sentence.

During a press conference following a meeting with NATO leaders in Brussels, Biden was asked about the potential for Russian President Vladimir Putin to use nuclear weapons in response to NATO's eastward expansion.

The president appeared taken aback by the question and responded sharply, saying: "What the hell? What do you think? I'm not going to speculate."

The journalist, Mark Stone, attempted to clarify his question, but Biden interjected again, saying: "I'm not going to answer that question. You're asking me to speculate. That's not what I'm going to do."

Biden's response has been widely criticized by journalists and commentators, with many accusing him of being dismissive and evasive.

However, some have defended Biden, arguing that he was right to avoid speculating about Putin's intentions and that the journalist's question was inappropriate at such a sensitive time.

The incident highlights the challenges facing journalists in holding powerful leaders to account, particularly in times of heightened tensions and uncertainty.

It also raises questions about the role of the media in covering sensitive issues and the extent to which they should push for answers from leaders who may be reluctant to provide them.

Here are some additional details about the incident:

• The press conference was held on March 24, 2022, following a meeting of NATO leaders in Brussels.
• The journalist who asked the question, Mark Stone, is a senior correspondent for Sky News.
• Biden's response has been widely criticized by journalists and commentators, with many accusing him of being dismissive and evasive.
• However, some have defended Biden, arguing that he was right to avoid speculating about Putin's intentions and that the journalist's question was inappropriate at such a sensitive time.