Trump appeasing Putin with pressure on Ukraine – Joe Biden

Joe Biden spoke to the BBC about Ukraine and Russia. He called pressure from the Trump administration “modern-day appeasement.” This was his first interview since leaving the White House.

In Delaware, Biden said Russian President Vladimir Putin sees Ukraine as part of Russia. He warned that anyone who thinks conceding territory will stop Putin is foolish. Biden expressed concern about US-Europe relations under Trump, saying it could change modern history.

During the interview on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Biden faced questions about his record on Ukraine. He also discussed his decision to end his 2024 re-election bid late in the race. Biden dropped out less than four months before the election.

When asked if he should have left sooner, he replied, “I don’t think it would have mattered.” He felt they had a good candidate at that time. “Things moved so quickly,” he added, making it hard to walk away.

Biden criticized Trump's comments about reclaiming the Panama Canal and acquiring Greenland. He stated, “What president ever talks like that? That’s not who we are.” He emphasized that America stands for freedom and democracy, not confiscation.

On Ukraine's support, Biden was questioned if he provided enough help for victory against Russia. His administration shifted its stance on US-supplied weapons over three years of fighting. “We gave them everything they needed for their independence,” he said.

Biden addressed Trump's suggestion that Kyiv must give up territory for peace. Vice-President JD Vance proposed freezing territorial lines close to current positions. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth agreed that returning to pre-2014 borders is unrealistic.

Biden labeled this approach as "modern-day appeasement." He referenced former British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain's failed attempts to appease Hitler in the 1930s. Biden worried Europe might lose confidence in American leadership.

He noted European leaders are questioning whether they can rely on the US now. Trump has suggested Russia should keep Crimea, annexed in 2014. Last month, he accused Zelensky of harming peace negotiations by rejecting proposals.

Reports indicate recent US proposals may recognize Crimea as Russian territory. The White House has not confirmed these details publicly. Trump stated he wants a deal done without favorites regarding Crimea recognition.

Vance acknowledged Ukrainian anger but questioned continuing losses over small territories. Pressure to cede land isn't just from Washington; Kyiv's mayor mentioned temporary concessions might be necessary.

Discussing Putin, Biden expressed confusion over allowing a dictator to take land unlawfully. He feared NATO countries bordering Russia might accommodate Putin if Ukraine gives up land.

Trump has resisted maintaining high levels of military support for Ukraine under Biden’s administration. Tensions between Trump and Zelensky became public during a televised Oval Office meeting in February.

Biden criticized how Trump treated Zelensky during that meeting as beneath America’s standards. Trump often criticizes European nations for not spending enough on defense while relying on US support.

The US remains the largest single donor to Ukraine; however, European countries combined have contributed more overall according to research from Kiel Institute in Germany.

Biden remarked there is strength in alliances and benefits that save money overall when working together with allies.

When asked about Trump's first 100 days in office, Biden highlighted his own achievements while president.
“Our economy was growing,” he said of his time in office before January.
Trump claims he's reshaping global relationships with the US through trade and immigration reforms.
When asked about Trump's new term, Biden replied: “I’ll let history judge that.”