But during a speech Tuesday in Iowa about lowering gas prices, Biden appeared to shift his rhetoric.

“Your family budget, your ability to fill up your tank — none of it should hinge on whether a dictator declares war and commits genocide a half a world away,” Biden said. He later doubled down on the terminology, telling reporters, “I called it genocide because it’s become clearer and clearer that Putin is just trying to wipe out even the idea of being Ukrainian,” according to CNN.

Zelenskyy commended Biden for his words in a tweet later Tuesday evening.

“True words of a true leader @POTUS. Calling things by their names is essential to stand up to evil,” Zelenskyy tweeted. “We are grateful for US assistance provided so far and we urgently need more heavy weapons to prevent further Russian atrocities.”