US President Joe Biden doubled down on April 12 on his accusation that his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin's forces are committing “genocide” in Ukraine.

"Yes I called it genocide," Biden told reporters when asked about his earlier use of the term – the first by the US administration.

"It's become clearer and clearer that Putin is just trying to wipe out the idea of even being able to be a Ukrainian," Biden said.

During a speech about petrol prices in the US state of Iowa earlier that day, Biden had 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 half a world away.”