U.S. Accuses Russia of Committing ‘War Crimes’ in Ukraine The announcement, following Joe Biden saying he thinks Vladimir Putin is a ‘war criminal,’ is another example of heightened rhetoric from U.S. officials on Russia’s actions in Ukraine. By Elliott Davis Jr. usnews.com March 23, 2022, at 5:09 p.m. Sunflowers and an accusatory message about Russia's actions during its invasion of Ukraine app..