• This remark came at the end of an address that lasted about 25 minutes. Words like this really matter because it was a marked change from previous comments, AND because a major criticism of the U.S. by critics and adversaries is that America wants to remove and replace leaders around the world.
  
• The president also notably attempted to set expectations for this conflict, echoing members of his leadership team: "This battle will not be won in days or months either. We need to steel ourselves for the long fight ahead."
  
• Why It Matters: The U.S. has not previously mentioned a Putin regime change as its goal during this conflict. The U.S. had to walk back these comments over the weekend, as some world leaders — such as France's President Macron — publicly said such words could make negotiations with Pres. Putin more difficult.

Biden’s Remark on Putin Stirs Anxiety Among Western Allies

A transcript of the President address