In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Joe Biden criticised the Trump administration’s pressure on Ukraine to cede territory to Russia, labelling it as “modern-day appeasement.” This marks Biden’s first interview since his departure from the White House.
During a speech in Delaware on Monday, he asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin views Ukraine as an integral part of Russia and warned that anyone who believes he would halt his ambitions with the concession of any territory in a peace agreement “is just foolish.”
During a speech commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day, President Biden expressed his apprehensions regarding the potential deterioration of US-Europe relations under the Trump administration, warning that such a shift could significantly alter the course of modern history.
During an extensive interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, President Biden faced scrutiny regarding his record on Ukraine and his choice to withdraw from the 2024 re-election race late in the campaign. This decision followed a lacklustre debate performance that raised questions about his fitness for office and sent the Democratic Party into turmoil.
Biden announced his withdrawal from the race less than four months before the November election. When questioned about whether an earlier exit might have facilitated a smoother transition for a replacement, he responded, “I don’t think it would have mattered.” The departure occurred at a moment when a strong candidate was available.
Events unfolded at such a rapid pace that it became challenging to disengage. ” It was a difficult choice,” he remarked. The decision made was indeed the correct one. The decision was not an easy one to make.
In a recent statement, the former president criticised the current administration’s approach to US allies, specifically denouncing Trump’s suggestions regarding the reclamation of the Panama Canal, the acquisition of Greenland, and the proposal to elevate Canada to the status of the 51st state.
“What is happening here? Which president has ever spoken in such a manner?” “That’s not who we are,” he stated. ” Our focus is on promoting freedom, democracy, and opportunity, rather than on confiscation.”
President Biden faced scrutiny regarding the level of support provided to Ukraine, with questions about whether his administration’s assistance was sufficient for Kyiv to achieve victory rather than merely withstand Russia’s extensive invasion. Over three years of conflict, the administration in the White House adjusted its stance on the utilisation of weapons supplied by the United States, gradually easing certain restrictions as time progressed.
“We supplied them with all the necessary resources to ensure their independence, and we stood ready to take more assertive action should Putin make another move,” he stated.
During a recent press conference, President Biden addressed remarks made by the Trump administration, which indicated that Ukraine might need to concede certain territories to achieve a peace agreement to halt the ongoing conflict.
In a recent statement, US Vice-President JD Vance articulated the nation’s approach to a peace plan for Ukraine, emphasising a strategy to “freeze the territorial lines… close to where they are today.”
He stated that both Ukraine and Russia “will need to relinquish some of the territory they currently possess.” Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reiterated that returning to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is “unrealistic”.
On Monday, President Biden characterised the situation as “modern-day appeasement,” drawing a parallel to the actions of former British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain. Chamberlain’s efforts in the late 1930s to placate Adolf Hitler’s demands ultimately failed to prevent a devastating war in Europe.
He feared that “Europe will lose confidence in America’s certainty and leadership.”
He noted that the continent’s leaders were left pondering, “What are our next steps?” Is the United States a reliable ally? Will it be present at the event?
Former President Trump has expressed his belief that Russia will retain control over the Crimean peninsula, a territory that was annexed by Moscow in 2014 in a move widely deemed illegal. Additionally, he recently criticised Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, claiming that Zelensky’s dismissal of a proposed suggestion has negatively impacted peace negotiations.
Recent reports indicate that the latest proposals from the United States regarding a truce settlement may encompass formal recognition of Crimea as part of Russia, alongside a de facto acknowledgement of Russian control over additional occupied regions in Ukraine. Details remain unconfirmed by the White House at this time.
I do not have any favourites. I prefer not to have any favourites. ” I want to have a deal done,” Trump stated last month in response to a question regarding the recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea.
“Certainly, the Ukrainians are expressing their anger over the invasion,” VP Vance stated in an interview with Fox News last week. ” The question remains: will we persist in sacrificing thousands of soldiers for control over mere miles of territory?”
The call to relinquish land does not solely emanate from Washington. Recently, Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, told the BBC that Ukraine might need to consider temporarily surrendering territory.
Biden addressed the situation regarding Putin, stating, “I just don’t understand how people think that if we allow a dictator, a thug, to decide he’s going to take significant portions of land that aren’t his, that that’s going to satisfy him.” The situation remains unclear to me.
He expressed concern that certain nations within the NATO alliance, particularly those bordering Russia, might consider making concessions to Putin should Ukraine ultimately relinquish territory.
Former President Trump has consistently opposed maintaining the level of military support for Ukraine that President Biden has provided, asserting that his primary goal is to bring an end to the ongoing violence. He has previously remarked that Zelensky manipulated Biden with great skill.
In February, a significant escalation in tensions between the White House and the Ukrainian president became evident during a televised meeting in the Oval Office. President Trump and Senator Vance confronted Zelensky, insisting that he express greater appreciation for the United States’ extensive support over the years.
“I found it somewhat beneath America in the manner it unfolded,” Biden remarked regarding the meeting.
Former President Trump and his senior officials have consistently voiced their concerns regarding European nations, accusing them of underinvesting in their defence capabilities and excessively depending on American assistance.
The United States stands out as the largest individual donor to Ukraine; however, a report from the Kiel Institute, a German think tank monitoring aid to Kyiv, reveals that European nations collectively have contributed a greater amount of financial support.
“I cannot comprehend how they fail to recognise the power of alliances,” Biden remarked on Monday regarding the Trump administration. There are advantages… “This approach ultimately leads to cost savings for us.”
In a recent discussion regarding President Trump’s initial 100 days in office, characterised by a flurry of executive actions and significant reductions in federal government size and spending, Biden highlighted his achievements while aiming to emphasise the stark differences between his tenure and the current administration.
The economy was experiencing growth, and the trajectory indicated a significant rise in the stock market. ” We found ourselves in a position of expanding our global influence positively, enhancing trade,” he remarked about the state of the country at the time of his departure from the White House in January.
Trump asserts that he is spearheading a necessary transformation in the global dynamics with the United States, focusing on rebalancing trade, managing illegal immigration, and enhancing government efficiency. Last week, he marked the 100-day milestone with a triumphant speech. How does Biden perceive the beginning of Trump 2.0?
“I’ll allow history to judge that,” he stated. ” There appears to be a lack of any notable triumph.”
