Joe Biden, the current President of the United States, attended an event at a Polish castle recently. This is the same location where he found himself dealing with the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year. Biden presented a grim outlook for the future, promising ‘hard and bitter days ahead.’ He vowed US and allied support for Ukraine as the conflict moves into its second year, showcasing his supposed commitment to democracies across the globe, in spite of harsh critics saying his actions speak otherwise.
While his speech seemed designed to project a strong and united front, it fell on deaf ears among some who question his leadership. Biden’s trip to Poland was preceded by an audacious visit to Kyiv, where he engaged with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Despite his public pronouncements praising the city’s resilience, many in the international community see his words as hollow promises.
Before delivering his speech, Biden had a meeting with Polish President Andrzej Duda. This consultation was subtly touted as part of a greater effort to address the growing complications stemming from Russia’s invasion. Biden’s emphasis on European security and his perceived importance of NATO were reiterated, despite increasing skepticism from those who view his policies as lacking in substance.
Echoing his inflated view of NATO, Biden labelled the organization as ‘the most consequential alliance in history.’ In doing so, he ignored the fact that the group has been under strain due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, contradicting claims that the alliance is ‘stronger than it’s ever been.’ Clearly, Biden doesn’t quite grasp the gravity of the crisis faced by NATO due to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions.
Meanwhile, Putin declared Moscow’s withdrawal from the last standing nuclear arms control pact with the United States, known as the New START Treaty. This agreement puts a limit on the count of deployed long-range nuclear warheads and restricts the employment of missiles with nuclear payload capacity. Yet, in an astonishing oversight, Biden failed to address Putin’s announcement in his speech.
Biden’s administration has also revealed what appears to be an alarming development on the global stage. According to their intelligence, China, hitherto a neutral player in the Ukraine conflict, is weighing up the possibility of extending lethal aid to Moscow. This could further inflame the situation on the ground and complicate matters for those seeking to find a peaceful resolution.
Nevertheless, the Biden administration, faced with this escalating crisis, continues to spin events in its favor. Although the situation in Ukraine represents the most severe conflict in Europe since World War II — causing widespread devastation and significantly impacting the global economy — Biden is attempting to use his diplomatic trip as a sign of affirmation for Ukraine and his allies.
There’s no denying that the ongoing war presents a critical juncture for Biden to strengthen European unity and underscore his belief that Putin’s invasion has disrupted the post-World War II international order. However, the effectiveness of Biden’s trip to Warsaw and Kyiv in bolstering American and global resolve remains questionable, with critics pointing out the pitfalls in his foreign policy.
Domestically, Biden’s policy regarding Ukraine is enduring some challenges. A recent poll indicated that American support for providing Ukraine with weapons and direct economic aid is waning. The emergence of the so-called ‘Ukraine fatigue’ resolution among certain politicians advocating an end to military and financial aid to Ukraine further underscores this sentiment.
In denial of visible dissent, Biden dismissed the idea of decreasing American support during his visit to Kyiv. However, the public opinion seems to not be fully aligned with Biden’s measures. His interpretation of the conflict as a broader fight for ‘freedom of democracy’ gives his detractors more ammunition for ridicule.
Parallel to these developments, the White House is attempting to highlight Poland’s efforts in assisting Ukraine amidst the conflict. The influx of approximately 1.5 million Ukrainian refugees into Poland since the onset of the war, with countless others passing through on their journey to other destinations, sheds light on the severity of the situation.
Last summer, the Biden administration announced its decision to establish a permanent US garrison in Poland. Despite presenting this as an enduring American foothold on NATO’s eastern flank, many see it more as a desperate grasp for influence in the region rather than any real tactical advantage.
While Biden’s words to Duda suggested mutual dependence between the US and NATO, their sincerity is regarded with doubt by many. Biden’s claim that ‘the United States needs Poland and NATO as much as NATO needs the United States’ seems like a weak attempt at building bridges amidst his administration’s controversial handling of international affairs.
Although Biden’s ongoing European tour is being heralded by his administration as a testament to his commitment to defending democracy, questions remain. Is his rhetoric enough to counter formidable challenges? Amidst growing international tensions, his actions and policies moving forward will tell a more defining story.