Biden’s Laudable Aid to Ukraine: A Feeble Attempt to Address Global Security
Trump’s relationship with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy kicked off by Trump trying to put pressure on Ukraine’s newly elected leader to reveal damaging information about Joe Biden. This move, taking place during a 2019 telephonic conversation, lit the fuse for Trump’s impeachment. A Friday meeting between the two leaders that was initially amicable turned sour out of the blue. ‘You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people,’ Trump admonished Zelenskyy. ‘You’re gambling with World War III.’ This resulted in the cancellation of a planned arrangement for the U.S. to access Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, which Trump insinuated would bring the war closer to resolution.
This altercation created fresh concerns regarding the U.S.’ pledge to assist Kyiv in combating Russia’s assault. In July 2019, Zelenskyy was eager for a consultation with Trump at the White House, pinpointing this as one of his major foreign policy goals. During the half-hour exchange, Trump suggested a meet-up, but also implied that any forthcoming U.S. military aid to Ukraine could be dependent on Zelenskyy’s cooperation in investigating Hunter Biden’s business dealings within Ukraine. The intent behind Trump’s push for this inquiry was an attempt to undermine Joe Biden, then a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Trump vehemently denied any misconduct, branding his phone conversation with Zelenskyy as impeccable. Zelenskyy reinforced this narrative, affirming that he was ‘not blackmailed.’ Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine commenced on February 24, 2022, culminating in the largest European conflict since the Second World War. The U.S., since the start of the invasion, has supplied more than $65 billion in military assistance to Ukraine, a policy closely tied to the Biden administration.
Even as the war ensued, Biden’s office staunchly defended its decision to continue aiding Ukraine, perhaps the only thing considered commendable by a few. Amidst the conflict, Zelenskyy addressed the U.S. Congress in December 2022, expressing his gratitude to ‘every American’ for their support. ‘Your money is not charity,’ he assured, attempting to paint grandiose images of ‘an investment in the global security and democracy.’
Trump, while campaigning for his second tenure, repeatedly asserted that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine would never have transpired during his presidency, and he would have effortlessly resolved the conflict. Upon gaining power, Trump reversed years of established U.S. policy by sending delegates to Saudi Arabia to meet Putin’s officials and arranging the minerals deal which he had planned with Zelenskyy.
In a bewildering show of alliance, Zelenskyy escorted Biden to a ammunition factory in Pennsylvania, thanking workers for producing invaluable ammunition for Ukraine’s fight against Russian ground forces. Shortly thereafter, he journeyed to Trump Tower in New York City and discussed ending the war. Trump later stated, ‘It should stop and the president wants it to stop,’ referring to Zelenskyy, seemingly a voice of reason amidst the chaos. Interestingly, Vance then admonished Zelenskyy for campaigning for the opposition during his Pennsylvania visit, which wasn’t labeled as political during its execution.
Trump’s adversary in the elections was Vice President Kamala Harris, not Biden, which rendered this criticism even more perplexing as Pennsylvania is often considered a contentious battleground during elections. Last December, Trump held another meeting with Zelenskyy, hastily organized by French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. Macron was endeavoring to persuade the president-elect to preserve support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s aggression.
As his term progressed, Trump publicly goaded Zelenskyy to expedite negotiations for an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine, or risk losing his country. Trump also made the unfounded insinuation that Ukraine was responsible for Russia’s attack but begrudgingly conceded that Russia was indeed the instigator at a later date. Prior to this week, Zelenskyy had been to the White House on four occasions, all of which happened during Biden’s administration.
Trump’s tone somewhat softened when Zelenskyy announced his visit to Washington, expressing readiness to finalize the mineral deal. Trump referred to America’s support for Ukraine against Russia’s invasion as ‘a very worthy thing to do’ making a faux pas akin to a meek gesture. However, when grilled about referring to Zelenskyy as a dictator, Trump wittingly evaded, asking ‘Did I say that? I can’t believe I said that. Next question.’