Ukrainian offensive in Kursk region poses a tough challenge for Putin

Biden frequently discusses this matter with his colleagues, approximately every four to five hours over six to eight days. He noted that this poses a significant challenge for Putin. Biden also stated that they are in direct and continuous communication with the Ukrainians while responding to reporters' questions at the New Orleans airport.

This was the president's first comment on the Ukrainian offensive on Russian territory. Administration officials had so far been cautious about the situation, limiting themselves to saying that decisions about Ukrainian military operations are up to Ukraine, and the US had not been forewarned about the operation in the Kursk region.

On Tuesday, during a briefing aboard Air Force One, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized that the United States is not involved in Ukraine's offensive inside Russia.

Previously, Joe Biden had avoided commenting. When asked at the White House about the Ukrainian counteroffensive, he stated that he "preferred not to comment."

In New Orleans, Biden also addressed the expected Iranian retaliatory attack on Israel for the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31. Biden stated that he expects Iran to refrain from retaliation if an agreement between Hamas and Israel on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip is reached first. The White House warned that an Iranian attack could happen this week, although a new round of peace talks is set to begin on Thursday.

Biden also acknowledged that reaching an agreement to halt the war is becoming more difficult but assured that he "won't give up".