Biden says GOP making 'big mistake' on Ukraine aid, willing to meet with Johnson

President Joe Biden, in the wake of the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, said congressional Republicans are «making a big mistake» by not passing additional aid to Ukraine.

Biden, returning to the White House on Monday, was asked by a reporter if he'd go so far as to say House Republicans had Navalny's «blood on their hands» amid their opposition to funding for the war-torn nation as Russia's invasion enters its third year.

«No, I wouldn't use that term,» the president responded. «They're making a big mistake not responding.»

Biden continued, «Look, the way they're walking away from the threat of Russia, the way they're walking away from NATO, the way they're walking away from leaving our obligations, it's just shocking… I've never seen anything like this.»

Navalny's death was reported by Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service on Feb. 16. No information has been shared about the cause of death. According to Navanly's team, his family has been denied access to his body.

Biden has blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for Navalny's death.

Biden said Monday he is considering additional sanctions on Russia over Navalny's death, though he didn't elaborate on when those sanctions could be implemented or what they would target. Officials have told ABC they're weighing additional sanctions against human rights violators connected to Navalny's imprisonment.

Asked if Navalny's death could spark movement from Republicans on Ukraine aid, Biden said: «I hope so, but I'm not sure anything's gonna change.»

In a shift from past statements from the White House, Biden said he would be willing to meet with House Speaker Mike Johnson on the issue.

«I'd be happy to meet with him if he has anything to say,» Biden said.

Johnson has