Speaker of the House John Boehner joined a bevy of lawmakers Monday calling for sanctions against Russia and slamming Russian President Vladimir Putin, referring to him as a “thug.”
The House Speaker denounced the former KGB agent in an interview with the Cincinnati Enquirer on Monday.
“It’s time to stand up to Putin,” Boehner told the paper. “At what point do you say enough is enough. We are at that point.”
The Ohio Republican went on to call Putin a “thug.”
Boehner’s comments come as tensions between Russia and Ukraine rapidly escalate. The Russian government ordered troops into the country last week, raising red flags for Ukrainian officials and western countries.
According to the Enquirer, Boehner said it was time for the United States to join Europe in imposing sanctions against Russia.
The Ohio Republican also discussed his future as Speaker of the House with the Enquirer, saying he plans to seek reelection as leader of the lower chamber.
“I think I’m in better shape with my own caucus than I have ever been in the last three years,” Boehner said.
The current speaker addressed rumors of a potential retirement, which were fueled after he and his wife purchased a condominium in Marco Island, Fla.
“[It] has nothing to do with my future,” Boehner said.
The House Speaker retained his speakership last year despite an attempt from the Tea Party wing of the conference to oust him. While the movement to fire Boehner was quelled, several Tea Party groups have once again begun calling for lawmakers to replace the speaker.
