Biden’s Ukraine Strategy: A Missed Opportunity for Global Security

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President Joe Biden, backed by an administration brimming with accomplished advisers, has faced sharp criticism over his handling of the war in Ukraine. Despite decades of foreign policy experience and a team of highly credentialed experts, Biden’s approach has been viewed by some as cautious to a fault. Rather than seizing a pivotal opportunity to decisively aid Ukraine and reshape the geopolitical landscape, his administration’s measured response has been accused of prolonging the conflict and emboldening adversaries.  

 

When Russia amassed its invasion force in late 2021 and early 2022, the U.S. had accurate intelligence and warned Ukraine of the impending attack. However, U.S. officials misjudged what would unfold. They assumed Ukraine stood no chance against Russia’s seemingly formidable military and prepared for a swift Russian victory. Reeling from the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan months earlier, Biden reportedly lamented the new crisis, saying, “Jesus Christ! Now I’ve got to deal with Russia swallowing Ukraine?” as detailed in Bob Woodward’s book, *War.*

 

This pessimistic outlook proved incorrect. Russia’s military, though powerful, was riddled with corruption, logistical challenges, and morale issues. In contrast, Ukraine displayed extraordinary resilience, adaptability, and determination. This unexpected dynamic presented the U.S. with a rare strategic opportunity. Aiding Ukraine in swiftly defeating Russia could have significantly altered global power dynamics. A victorious Ukraine could have joined NATO, shifting the balance of power in Europe toward democratic nations, securing the region, and restoring confidence in U.S. leadership following the Afghanistan debacle.  

 

Such a victory might have allowed the U.S. to reduce its military focus on Europe and redirect resources to the Indo-Pacific, countering the growing influence of China. However, Biden’s administration pursued a cautious “Goldilocks strategy,” attempting to support Ukraine without provoking Russian President Vladimir Putin excessively. Early in the war, the U.S. limited its military aid to Ukraine, providing only short-range weaponry and restricting its use. The Biden administration was reluctant to enable Ukraine to strike Russian forces in Crimea, despite its internationally recognized status as Ukrainian territory illegally occupied by Russia since 2014.  

 

This hesitancy, critics argue, constrained Ukraine’s ability to capitalize on its early successes and prolonged the war. Biden’s recent decision to allow limited strikes on military targets in Russia, coming nearly three years into the conflict, underscores this incremental approach. Meanwhile, Russia has deepened its alliances with China, Iran, and North Korea, creating a formidable anti-Western bloc.  

 

The prolonged conflict has brought untold suffering to Ukraine, with rising casualties and a growing catalog of war crimes. It has also diminished the West’s standing as Russia showcases its ability to endure prolonged economic and military pressure. For Biden, the war represents a missed moment—an opportunity to decisively counter Russian aggression, strengthen NATO, and reshape the global order in favor of democratic alliances.  

 

Instead, the world has become more dangerous. Ukraine continues to fight valiantly, but the U.S.’s piecemeal support has left the conflict unresolved. Critics argue that the administration’s reluctance to take bolder action has squandered a chance to ensure global stability, leaving a more fractured and volatile international landscape in its wake.

 

Based on a report by The Atlantic 2024-12-02

 

 

 

[john donson]

did russia invade whole ukraine? no...  rest is only good for politicians and war industry... they had to do something after Afghanistan... forever wars is what makes them even more rich

[stevenl]

18 minutes ago, john donson said:

did russia invade whole ukraine? no...  rest is only good for politicians and war industry... they had to do something after Afghanistan... forever wars is what makes them even more rich

Yes, they invaded the whole of Ukraine, they were in Kyiv.

 

Regarding the op, a simplistic opinion. These problems are never easily solved.

[JonnyF]

Biden is at the stage where he puts his left shoe on the right foot and vice versa.

 

He really needs to vacate the room before he does even more damage. He's been a disaster. 

 

Let Trump sort it out. 

[Jim Blue]

1 minute ago, JonnyF said:

Biden is at the stage where he puts his left shoe on the right foot and vice versa.

 

He really needs to vacate the room before he does even more damage. He's been a disaster. 

 

Let Trump sort it out. 

Yes as an example when he bombed Syria for chemical bombing the opposition and called his mate Putin and told him what was going to happen !

[stevenl]

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

Biden is at the stage where he puts his left shoe on the right foot and vice versa.

 

He really needs to vacate the room before he does even more damage. He's been a disaster. 

 

Let Trump sort it out. 

Not related to the op at all.

[JonnyF]

38 minutes ago, stevenl said:

Not related to the op at all.

 

The fact that Biden is mentally impaired, most likely with severe dementia is relevant to every thread about his decision making. 

 

[Chomper Higgot]

Biden did miss the opportunity to use threats of withholding military aid to extort Ukraine.

 

 

[rickudon]

What changed the narrative was the Wests complacency after Russia's partial withdrawal in late 2022 - and they didn't increase military spending or manufacture a lot more munitions, then the republications held up weapon supplies for months. Also diverting weapons to Israel didn't help.

 

If pressure had been racked up on Russia, Putin would have caved in.

[frank83628]

On 12/2/2024 at 12:54 PM, Chomper Higgot said:

Biden did miss the opportunity to use threats of withholding military aid to extort Ukraine.

 

 

Instead he with held it to get the a prosecutor fired that was Looking into burisma corruption... same place Hunter got a board seat, wow, wjat a coincidance