Biden criticizes Trump’s Russia policy as risky appeasement, warns of strained transatlantic ties

In a candid interview marking his first major public remarks since departing the White House, former U.S. President Joe Biden criticized Donald Trump’s approach to Russia, likening it to dangerous appeasement and voicing concerns over the potential deterioration of longstanding U.S.-European relations.

Speaking to the BBC from his home state of Delaware during events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Biden accused Trump of adopting a strategy reminiscent of the appeasement policies that emboldened aggressors in the 1930s. Specifically, he drew a historical parallel between Trump’s recent suggestions on Ukraine and British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s failed attempts to placate Adolf Hitler ahead of World War II.

“Vladimir Putin operates under the belief that Russia has historical claims over Ukraine,” Biden said. He stressed that any assumption that Putin would cease aggression if Kyiv surrendered territory was misguided. “That’s just naïve,” he added, directly referencing Trump’s idea that peace could be achieved through Ukrainian concessions.

Biden expressed grave concern that Trump’s foreign policy approach could severely weaken transatlantic alliances and damage global trust in the United States. “Europe may begin to lose faith in America’s consistency and leadership,” he warned. “Such a shift could reshape global history in ways we’re not prepared for.”

He explained that world leaders, particularly those in Europe, are increasingly uncertain about whether they can depend on the U.S. to uphold the values and commitments that have defined the post-war era. “What happens if the U.S. steps back?” Biden asked. “Our allies will be left questioning, ‘Can we really count on them?’”

Biden’s remarks reflect a broader anxiety among former diplomats and analysts who have cautioned that a second Trump presidency might lead to further isolationism, authoritarian tendencies, and a retreat from global leadership.

The former president did not shy away from calling out some of Trump’s more controversial foreign policy ideas. He described the past Oval Office meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as inappropriate and unbecoming of American dignity. “That entire scene was beneath the standards of our nation,” Biden said.

He also denounced Trump’s previous proposals to reclaim the Panama Canal, annex Canada as the 51st state, and even acquire Greenland. “What kind of president says these things? That’s not who we are,” Biden exclaimed. “Our country is built on principles of liberty, democracy, and opportunity, not territorial ambition.”

When pressed about critiques of his own administration’s handling of Ukraine, particularly the timing and scope of military support, Biden defended his actions. “We provided Ukraine with all the tools it needed to maintain its sovereignty,” he asserted. “We were ready to escalate our support if Putin made further moves.”

Biden’s comments reflect an effort to contrast his measured, alliance-oriented foreign policy with Trump’s unpredictable and often unilateral stance. Though his approach has faced criticism for not being forceful enough early on, Biden argued that his administration had prioritized strategic readiness and international unity over rash action.

In the latter part of the interview, Biden addressed his decision to step away from the 2024 presidential race. His withdrawal, announced only months before the election, raised concerns about the readiness of his successor, Vice President Kamala Harris. However, Biden dismissed those worries.

“I don’t think the timing would have made much difference,” he said. “We stepped aside when we had a strong candidate ready. The pace of events was so rapid, it made any exit a complicated matter.”

He acknowledged the personal difficulty of the decision, calling it one of the most challenging of his political career. “It was not easy to walk away,” Biden admitted. “But ultimately, I believe it was the right call.”

Biden’s reflections come at a pivotal time in global politics, with mounting tensions between democratic and authoritarian powers, and growing uncertainty over the future direction of American foreign policy. As the U.S. heads toward another crucial election, the legacy of its international commitments, and the leaders who shape them, will be closely scrutinized.