White House says Biden is 'quite busy' after Putin invites president for 'live' chat

close

Video

Russian envoy to US recalled after Biden calls Putin a 'killer'

FOX News national security correspondent Jennifer Griffin has the latest on the rising tension between Biden and Putin on 'Special Report'

The White House seemingly turned down an invitation for a "live" public conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying President Biden is "quite busy" this weekend. 

Putin, on Thursday, challenged Biden to an on-air conversation to discuss his latest warning that Putin would "pay a price" following a report containing evidence of attempted Russian interference in the 2020 presidential election. Biden had also agreed that the Russian president was a killer.

PUTIN CHALLENGES BIDEN TO CHAT WITH HIM IN A 'LIVE' CONVERSATION

Putin told a reporter in Moscow on Thursday that he wanted "to invite President Biden to continue our discussion, but on the condition that we actually do it live."

"But with no delays, directly in an open, direct discussion," Putin said, suggesting they hold the live conversation as soon as Friday or Monday, adding that as the world’s two leading superpowers, he thought the dialogue would prove interesting for the American and Russian people, as well as for the international community.

"We are ready any time that is convenient for the American side," Putin added.

During the White House press briefing Thursday, press secretary Jen Psaki was asked about Putin’s request.

"I don’t have anything to report to you in terms of a future meeting," Psaki said. "The president will, of course, be in Georgia tomorrow and quite busy."

The White House National Security Council did not have additional comment. 

RUSSIA WARNS BIDEN CALLING PUTIN 'KILLER' PUT US RELATIONS 'UNDER THE THREAT OF COLLAPSE'

The request came after Biden made headlines this week following an interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, when the president was asked if he thought Putin was a "killer," to which he answered, "I do."

Putin responded Thursday by saying, "It takes one to know one." 

Psaki, on Thursday, when asked by reporters if Biden regretted his remarks, said, "Nope."

"The president gave a direct answer to a direct question," she added.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin said Friday that Putin's offer to speak with Biden was intended to prevent bilateral ties from completely falling apart. Putin made it clear that "it makes sense to have a talk to maintain Russia-U.S. relations instead of trading barbs," and he wanted to make it public to help defuse tensions over Biden's "very bad remarks," said his spokesman, Dmitry Peskov.

A declassified report released Tuesday by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence found that while no foreign powers "manipulated any election results," Russia sought to influence public opinion in opposition of Biden.

"The price he is going to pay, well, you’ll see shortly," Biden later said.

Russia recalled its ambassador to the United States following the president's remarks.

Fox News' Caitlin McFall and Morgan Phillips and The Associated Press contributed to this report.