Former U.S. President issues sharp rebuke of Trump’s stance on Ukraine in first post-office interview
In a scathing critique of Donald Trump’s foreign policy, former U.S. President Joe Biden has denounced the Trump administration’s position on the war in Ukraine, calling it “modern-day appeasement.” Speaking in his first interview since stepping down from office, Biden warned that encouraging Ukraine to cede territory to Russia would embolden further aggression by Vladimir Putin.
“Conceding land will not stop Putin,” warns Biden
In an exclusive interview with the BBC’s Radio 4 Today programme, Biden accused Trump’s team of undercutting U.S. alliances and misjudging Russia’s intentions. “Anybody that thinks he’s going to stop (if territory is conceded) is just foolish,” Biden said, asserting that Putin views Ukraine as part of Russia and would not stop at partial territorial gains.
Biden drew parallels between Trump’s Ukraine strategy and the appeasement policies of the 1930s, which failed to stop Adolf Hitler. “It is modern-day appeasement,” he emphasized, warning of severe consequences for both Europe and NATO if the U.S. shifts its stance.
Concerns over U.S.-Europe relations under Trump
The interview coincided with the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, a time of reflection on global conflicts and unity. Biden expressed alarm at the potential weakening of U.S.-Europe ties under Trump’s leadership. “It would change the modern history of the world,” he said, pointing to growing transatlantic uncertainty.
Biden reflects on 2024 election exit and U.S. global image
Biden also spoke candidly about his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, less than four months before the election. While acknowledging it was a difficult choice, he insisted it was “the right decision.” Reflecting on Trump’s controversial foreign policy comments—including calls to reclaim the Panama Canal and make Canada the 51st state—Biden said, “What president ever talks like that? That’s not who we are.”
Defending his Ukraine legacy
The former President defended his own administration’s support for Ukraine, stating, “We gave them everything they needed to provide for their independence.” He criticized recent suggestions from Trump officials—like Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth—that Ukraine should accept a peace deal based on current frontlines. Biden argued such a deal would only encourage authoritarian overreach and destabilize Europe.
Tense relations with Kyiv and NATO allies
Biden also condemned the tone of recent Oval Office interactions, where Trump reportedly chastised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for not showing more gratitude. “I found it sort of beneath America,” he remarked.
While the U.S. remains the largest individual donor to Ukraine, Biden emphasized the importance of unity among allies: “There’s strength in alliances… It saves us money overall.”
A final jab: “I’ll let history judge”
When asked about Trump’s performance during his return to office, Biden chose restraint. “I’ll let history judge that,” he said. “I don’t see anything that was triumphant.”
