President Joe Biden told CNN in an exclusive interview that Ukraine is not yet ready for NATO membership, saying that Russia’s war in Ukraine needs to end before the alliance can consider adding Kyiv to its ranks.

Biden told CNN’s Fareed Zakaria that while discussion of Ukraine’s imminent membership in NATO was premature, the US and its allies in NATO would continue to provide President Volodymyr Zelensky and his forces the security and weaponry they need to try to end the war with Russia.

Biden spoke to Zakaria ahead of his weeklong trip to Europe, which includes a NATO summit in Lithuania where Russia’s war in Ukraine and Zelensky’s push for NATO membership will be among the key issues looming over the gathering.

 

“I don’t think there is unanimity in NATO about whether or not to bring Ukraine into the NATO family now, at this moment, in the middle of a war,” Biden said. “For example, if you did that, then, you know – and I mean what I say – we’re determined to commit every inch of territory that is NATO territory. It’s a commitment that we’ve all made no matter what. If the war is going on, then we’re all in war. We’re at war with Russia, if that were the case.”

Biden said that he’s spoken to Zelensky at length about the issue, saying that he’s told the Ukrainian president the US would keep providing security and weaponry for Ukraine like it does for Israel while the process plays out.

 

FULL STORY

I must admit trying to keep an open mind on Biden's suitability as POTUS can be difficult on this forum.

 

The comments here driven by Fox News propaganda can sometimes create some doubt in even the most critical thinkers.

 

I watched the full Fareed Zakaria/Joe Biden last night and I was impressed with Joe Biden's  performance in explaining his position on Ukraine, China and Israel.

 

It was obvious that he has a firm grasp on US Foreign Relations and provided a logical, balanced well-considered and sensible approach to all of these issues without the usual egoistic rhetoric seen from others.

 

His decades of experience as a statesmen shone through and there is no doubt that the White House  in good hands.

 

 

Ditto mr wolf what a difference an election makes I watched the interview as well twice .he is indeed a statesman articulate concise obviously well thought out as befitting the job of potus 

Edited July 10, 20232 yr by Tug

"Russia’s war in Ukraine needs to end before the alliance can consider adding Kyiv to its ranks..."

Seems like a big incentive for Russia to keep on  with the war as long as possible

This is stupid, we all know that if NATO admits the Ukraine into NATO now it will be World War 3.

1 hour ago, LosLobo said:

I must admit trying to keep an open mind on Biden's suitability as POTUS can be difficult on this forum.

 

The comments here driven by Fox News propaganda can sometimes create some doubt in even the most critical thinkers.

 

I watched the full Fareed Zakaria/Joe Biden last night and I was impressed with Joe Biden's  performance in explaining his position on Ukraine, China and Israel.

 

It was obvious that he has a firm grasp on US Foreign Relations and provided a logical, balanced well-considered and sensible approach to all of these issues without the usual egoistic rhetoric seen from others.

 

His decades of experience as a statesmen shone through and there is no doubt that the White House  in good hands.

 

 

Yeah, nothing like hard hitting questions that start with;

 

“Mr. President, you’ve often said when people ask you about your age, ‘Just watch me,' And I think a lot of people do watch you and are impressed, and they think you’ve been a great president. You’ve brought the economy back. You’ve restored relations with the world."

 

Yep, lots of hard hitting journalism there...

At least Fareed and Joe have one thing in common- they are both plagiarists. They could have discussed how using other peoples' work had impacted their respective careers, but no.

2 minutes ago, Hanaguma said:

Yeah, nothing like hard hitting questions that start with;

 

“Mr. President, you’ve often said when people ask you about your age, ‘Just watch me,' And I think a lot of people do watch you and are impressed, and they think you’ve been a great president. You’ve brought the economy back. You’ve restored relations with the world."

 

Yep, lots of hard hitting journalism there...

At least Fareed and Joe have one thing in common- they are both plagiarists. They could have discussed how using other peoples' work had impacted their respective careers, but no.

Sigh…….

When did Russia invade Ukraine?

 

"Obama: On all these issues, but particularly missile defense, this, this can be solved but it's important for him to give me space. Medvedev: Yeah, I understand. I understand your message about space. Space for you... Obama: This is my last election…After my election I have more flexibility. Medvedev: I understand. I will transmit this information to Vladimir. " 

 

Be nice to have that missile defense now...

 

Hot mic moment: Obama overheard telling Medvedev he needs 'space' on missile defense (nbcnews.com)

2 hours ago, vandeventer said:

This is stupid, we all know that if NATO admits the Ukraine into NATO now it will be World War 3.

Do we?

 

Or are you ramping up your hyperbole?

2 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

When did Russia invade Ukraine?

 

"Obama: On all these issues, but particularly missile defense, this, this can be solved but it's important for him to give me space. Medvedev: Yeah, I understand. I understand your message about space. Space for you... Obama: This is my last election…After my election I have more flexibility. Medvedev: I understand. I will transmit this information to Vladimir. " 

 

Be nice to have that missile defense now...

 

Hot mic moment: Obama overheard telling Medvedev he needs 'space' on missile defense (nbcnews.com)

Not extorting Ukraine with the threat of withholding military aid in exchange for fabricated dirt on a political opponent then?!

3 hours ago, vandeventer said:

This is stupid, we all know that if NATO admits the Ukraine into NATO now it will be World War 3.

Who is 'we'?

 

You are speaking for yourself and NOT for anybody else, especially you are NOT speaking for me.

 

Reported off-topic post has been removed 

What's it got to do with this brain dead idiot, he doesn't like the British so why is he visiting Britain and sticking his nose in 

Deluded , doddery old fool - Russia is NEVER going to agree any sort of peace without full avoidance of reparations to the Ukraine. To do that would mean agreeing the war was illegal and make mongering Putin would look weak. 

12 hours ago, vandeventer said:

This is stupid, we all know that if NATO admits the Ukraine into NATO now it will be World War 3.

When someone makes an assertion that begins with "we all know..." that's a sound indicator that a highly debatable proposition is being pushed. In other words, speak for yourself.

2 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

Deluded , doddery old fool - Russia is NEVER going to agree any sort of peace without full avoidance of reparations to the Ukraine. To do that would mean agreeing the war was illegal and make mongering Putin would look weak. 

Because the way to negotiate is to concede in advance? You sure he's the fool? Biden demonstrated some pretty sharp negotiating tactics with the House Republicans just recently.

16 hours ago, Social Media said:

We’re at war with Russia, if that were the case.”

He pretends he is not at war with Russia now? Proxy war but war nonetheless

1 minute ago, mania said:

He pretends he is not at war with Russia now? Proxy war but war nonetheless

It seems he is negotiating Putin's proxy war rather well all considered.  I imagine he endeavours to try and down play the rhetoric he applies to the situation for the sake of not inflaming it any further.  It's a tough line he is walking.

4 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

Deluded , doddery old fool - Russia is NEVER going to agree any sort of peace without full avoidance of reparations to the Ukraine. To do that would mean agreeing the war was illegal and make mongering Putin would look weak. 

You can't negotiate with Putin PERIOD.
Putin has to be out of power first.

That is probably in the process of happening though it's hard to tell how long it will take.

Uncle Joe is making good sense with this.

14 hours ago, vandeventer said:

This is stupid, we all know that if NATO admits the Ukraine into NATO now it will be World War 3.

Uhh……..yea just maybe that’s why President Biden said not rite now and Mr Colman Putin has already been humiliated by a country 1/4 his size he has allready had his armed forces humiliated by a smaller nation his weapons are sub par just how much weaker can he be?as far as that’s concerned in my humble opinion it’s high time the Russians get rid of that disaster 

This reminds me of banks lending money to everyone except the people who really need the loan.

 

Or insurance companies refusing coverage to those with pre-existing conditions.

 

"Sure you can join Nato, but not until you have no need for them". Gee Thanks Joe.

34 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

This reminds me of banks lending money to everyone except the people who really need the loan.

 

Or insurance companies refusing coverage to those with pre-existing conditions.

 

"Sure you can join Nato, but not until you have no need for them". Gee Thanks Joe.

So you want Ukraine to be admitted to NATO right now?  Yeah right, this would put NATO and the USA immediately at war with Russia.  Swift thinking....

6 minutes ago, Berkshire said:

So you want Ukraine to be admitted to NATO right now?  Yeah right, this would put NATO and the USA immediately at war with Russia.  Swift thinking....

Please show me the post where I said I wanted Ukraine to be admitted to NATO "right now".

 

Thanks in advance.

Great news for Russia. 
 

not so good for Ukraine though…

26 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

Please show me the post where I said I wanted Ukraine to be admitted to NATO "right now".

 

Thanks in advance.

Perhaps you can explain why you're bashing Joe Biden then....thanks in advance.

 

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

"Sure you can join Nato, but not until you have no need for them". Gee Thanks Joe.

 

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

Please show me the post where I said I wanted Ukraine to be admitted to NATO "right now".

 

Thanks in advance.

So why are you criticizing Biden for saying not now?

42 minutes ago, Berkshire said:

Perhaps you can explain why you're bashing Joe Biden then....thanks in advance.

I think we need to consult Ivan Pavlov to come up with an answer to that one.

49 minutes ago, EastBayRay said:

Great news for Russia. 
 

not so good for Ukraine though…

You think this is unexpected news? 

Edited July 11, 20232 yr by placeholder

3 minutes ago, placeholder said:

So why are you criticizing Biden for saying not now?

He didn't say "not now". He said not until the war ends. 

 

There is a huge gap between allowing membership "right now" and ruling it out "until the war is over".

 

He could have played his hand much more effectively had he taken a more sophisticated approach. A more thoughtful approach. A more intelligent approach. A more strategic approach.

 

If Biden was a poker player he'd either fold every hand immediately or go all in with a grin on his face. And the grin wouldn't be a bluff either  ????. 

 

I'd say Biden is playing checkers while everyone else is playing chess but I think that would be giving him far too much credit.