US President Joe Biden for the first time has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin`s forces of committing "genocide" in Ukraine by trying to `wipe out the idea of even being a Ukrainian." Biden made the remarks about Russia`s actions during a speech in Iowa about his administration`s efforts to combat high prices for goods. His comments came as Putin vowed on Tuesday that Russia`s bloody offensive in Ukraine would continue until its goals are fulfilled.

`I`m doing everything within my power, by executive orders, to bring down the prices and address the Putin price hike. In fact, we`ve already made progress since the March inflation data was collected,` Biden said. `Your family budget, your ability to fill up your tank -- none of it should hinge on whether a dictator declares war and commits genocide a half a world away. To help deal with this Putin price hike, I`ve authorised the release of 1 million barrels per day for the next six months from our Strategic Petroleum Reserve,` he said.