Pentagon spokesman blasts Putin's 'depravity' in emotional remarks

'It's brutality of the coldest and most depraved sort,' John Kirby says

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Pentagon spokesman John Kirby strongly criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, accusing him of “depravity” in Ukraine.

"It’s hard to look at what he’s doing in Ukraine, what his forces are doing in Ukraine, and think that any ethical, moral individual could justify that,” Mr Kirby said at a press briefing.

Referring to “war crimes” by Russian forces including attacks on civilian infrastructure and “unconscionable” killings, Mr Kirby paused as he choked back emotion.

“It’s difficult to look at … some of the images and imagine that any well-thinking, serious, mature leader would do that,” he said.

“I can’t talk to his psychology, but I think we can all speak to his depravity."

Mr Kirby later added: "It's brutality of the coldest and most depraved sort."

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki was later asked about Mr Kirby's comments and if President Joe Biden shared those sentiments.

Mr Biden views Mr Putin "as a pariah and somebody who is guilty of war crimes and genocide. So, I think the president's comments speak for itself", Ms Psaki said.

Russia has denied attacking civilians and says its "special military operation" is to "denazify" Ukraine.