After President Joe Biden said in an interview that Russian President Vladimir Putin was a “murderer” who has “no soul,” Putin suggested to Russian media that he would welcome a chance to debate Biden one-on-one, ABC News reports.

“I’ve just thought of this now,” Putin told a Russian state television reporter. “I want to propose to President Biden to continue our discussion, but on the condition that we do it basically live, as it’s called. Without any delays and directly in an open, direct discussion. It seems to me that would be interesting for the people of Russia and for the people of the United States.”

After Biden called Putin a murderer during an interview with ABC News correspondent George Stephanopoulos, the Russian government recalled their ambassador to the US.  When asked about Biden’s comment, Putin responded with a playground insult, “I know you are, but what am I.”

“You know, I remember, in childhood, when we were arguing with each other in the courtyard, we would say, ‘I know you are, but what am I,’” Putin said. “And that’s no accident. It’s not just a childish saying. There is a very deep meaning in that.”

Putin said he wanted to do the broadcast debate “sooner rather than later” and suggested scheduling it for Friday.  The White House dismissed the idea.

“I’ll have to get back to you if that is something we’re entertaining. I would say that the president already had a conversation with President Putin,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said during her daily briefing, noting Biden still had other word leaders to talk with. “The president, of course, will be in Georgia tomorrow and quite busy.”