Joe Biden has sharply criticized Donald Trump’s stance on Russia, labeling it “modern-day appeasement,” and warned that Europe could begin to doubt America’s reliability. This marks Biden’s first major interview since leaving office in January.
In a conversation with the BBC, Biden said Vladimir Putin views Ukraine as historically belonging to Russia. He dismissed Trump’s recent suggestion that Ukraine should cede territory to end the conflict, calling such ideas “foolish” and naive about Putin’s intentions.
Speaking from Delaware during commemorations for the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Biden compared Trump’s attitude to the failed appeasement policies of 1930s British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain. He also rebuked Trump’s provocative proposals, including reclaiming the Panama Canal, turning Canada into America’s 51st state, and acquiring Greenland.
“What kind of president talks like that?” Biden asked. “That’s not what America stands for. We believe in freedom, democracy, and opportunity—not seizing other countries’ land.”
Addressing criticism of his own Ukraine policy, Biden defended his administration’s support, stating: “We provided everything Ukraine needed to maintain its independence. And we were ready to escalate our response if Putin advanced further.”
Biden expressed concern that America’s global allies may begin to doubt its longstanding leadership role. “I worry our partners around the world will start to question whether we still stand where we have for the past 80 years.”
Reflecting on Trump’s Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Biden called it “beneath the dignity of the United States.” He warned that European leaders may soon be asking, “Can I still count on America?” and said a collapse in transatlantic trust would have consequences that could “reshape modern world history.”
