Biden Criticizes Trump's Ukraine Policy

In his first interview since leaving office, Joe Biden accused Donald Trump’s administration of pursuing a policy of "modern-day appeasement" toward Russia by pressuring Ukraine to cede territory in exchange for peace. Speaking exclusively to the BBC in Delaware, Biden warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not stop his aggression even if Kiev surrendered land.

"Putin believes Ukraine is part of Russia," Biden said. "Anyone who thinks he’ll stop if some territory is conceded is just foolish." His remarks came as Allied nations commemorated the 80th anniversary of VE Day, underscoring his concerns about the fraying of U.S.-Europe relations under Trump. A breakdown in transatlantic alliances, he argued, "would change the modern history of the world."

Biden’s wide-ranging interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today program also touched on his own record in Ukraine, his decision to exit the 2024 presidential race, and Trump’s controversial foreign policy proposals.

Defending His Ukraine Policy

Critics have argued that Biden’s administration was slow to provide Kiev with sufficient military aid to secure victory against Russia. While the White House gradually lifted restrictions on U.S.-supplied weapons, Biden maintained that his administration had done enough to ensure Ukraine’s independence.

"We gave them everything they needed to defend themselves," he said. "We were prepared to respond more aggressively if Putin escalated."

He sharply criticized recent suggestions from Trump officials—including Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth—that Ukraine should accept a territorial compromise. Vance has called for a peace deal that would "freeze the lines close to where they are today," effectively recognizing Russia’s gains. Biden likened the approach to Neville Chamberlain’s failed attempts to appease Adolf Hitler before World War II.

Concerns Over U.S. Credibility

Biden expressed alarm that European allies were questioning America’s reliability under Trump. "Europe is going to lose confidence in the certainty of America," he said. "Leaders are wondering, What do I do now? Can I rely on the United States?"

He also condemned Trump’s past remarks about seizing Greenland, reclaiming the Panama Canal, and annexing Canada. "What president ever talks like that?" Biden said. "That’s not who we are. We’re about freedom, democracy, opportunity—not confiscation."

Reflections on His Exit from the 2024 Race

When asked whether he should have withdrawn from the presidential race sooner—allowing more time for a successor to prepare—Biden dismissed the idea. "I don’t think it would have mattered," he said. "We left when we had a good candidate."

Calling it a "hard decision," he maintained it was the right one, despite the Democratic Party’s ensuing turmoil.

Assessing Trump’s Return to Power

Biden offered a bleak view of Trump’s second-term agenda, particularly his rapid rollback of federal programs and strained relations with allies. While Trump has framed his policies as a necessary recalibration of U.S. priorities, Biden remained skeptical.

"I’ll let history judge that," he said. "I don’t see anything triumphant."