Gov. Justice: Putin a ‘smart guy,’ Biden ‘super weak’

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVVA) - Governor Jim Justice was complimentary of Russian President Vladimir Putin during a press conference on Monday and critical of U.S. leadership.

The topic of the military invasion of Ukraine came up during a briefing meant to discuss the state’s response to COVID-19. The Republican called the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine “sad” and “beyond belief.”

Justice began by calling Putin a, “bad actor” and a “nut job.” But soon after, he backtracked on his “nut job” insult.

“I really don’t think that [Putin] is a nut job at all,” Justice said. “I think he’s calculative and I think he’s absolutely a smart guy. And I think he sees weakness and he sees that the United States is being run today by President Biden who’s super, super, super weak and confused and everything else under the sun and he tries to take advantage.”

Justice cited the withdrawal from Afghanistan and policy at the U.S. border for his criticism of President Biden.

Justice also suggested the United States should have supplied Ukraine with weapons months prior to the invasion.

Last week, Governor Justice directed the West Virginia Beverage Control Administration to quit buying Russian-made liquor.