Former U.S. President Joe Biden has sharply criticized Donald Trump’s approach to the war in Ukraine, calling it “modern-day appeasement” in a wide-ranging interview with the BBC. Speaking from Delaware in his first major media appearance since stepping out of the 2024 presidential race, Biden accused Trump and his administration of pressuring Ukraine to cede territory to Russia in pursuit of a peace deal.
Biden warned that conceding Ukrainian territory would embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he described as a dictator who would not stop at partial gains. “Anybody that thinks he’s going to stop if some territory is conceded is just foolish,” he stated, drawing parallels to 1930s European appeasement of Hitler.
With the 80th anniversary of VE Day as backdrop, Biden voiced deep concern about the stability of U.S.-Europe relations under Trump’s leadership. He noted that many European allies are now questioning whether they can rely on America. “Europe is going to lose confidence in the certainty of America,” Biden said.
Trump officials, including Vice-President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have suggested Ukraine may need to give up land as part of a peace settlement, including de facto recognition of Russia’s hold over Crimea and other territories. Biden strongly opposed this stance, stating, “We gave [Ukraine] everything they needed to provide for their independence.”
The former president also criticized Trump’s foreign policy rhetoric, including comments about acquiring Greenland and making Canada the 51st U.S. state. “What president ever talks like that? That’s not who we are,” Biden said.
Reflecting on his decision to exit the 2024 race, Biden said it was difficult but necessary to give the Democratic Party a viable candidate. “It was the right decision,” he affirmed.
As Trump marks his first 100 days back in office with bold executive actions and government cuts, Biden concluded, “I’ll let history judge that… I don’t see anything that was triumphant.”
Biden’s interview serves as a stark warning against abandoning Ukraine and undermining global alliances in favor of isolationist and transactional policies.
