Last week, United States House Republicans graded President Joe Biden’s foreign policy an “F.” On Monday, Ukrainian leaders echoed that sentiment after Biden suggested family members of American diplomats leave the nation as Russia amasses troops near its border.
Like America’s allies in the Afghan theater, Ukrainian leaders feel betrayed. According to BuzzFeed News, “a source close to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky” was angry that America indicated a Russian attack was imminent, saying Zelensky “does not think there’s any remotely imminent threat to Kyiv.”
In a statement embarrassing to President Biden and many liberal mayors in America, Zelensky rebuffed Biden’s suggestion by stating American citizens were “safer” in the large city of Kyiv than they would be in many large American cities marked by violent crime.
“The fact that the U.S. was the first one to announce this is extremely disappointing and quite frankly these Americans are safer in Kyiv than they are in Los Angeles … or any other crime-ridden city in the U.S.,” the source added.
It is clear that energy needs, NATO’s role, and economic concerns are causing tension in the region. What is not clear is America’s commitment to its NATO allies.
On Sunday, the U.S. State Department ordered the evacuation of family members of diplomats, warning, “military action by Russia could come at any time.”
A “Level 4 — Do Not Travel” advisory was also issued, along with the warning that America “will not be in a position to evacuate U.S. citizens” if Russia advances into Ukrainian territory.
Ukrainian officials assert that Russia feels emboldened because the U.S. has indicated it will not maintain its defense commitments to them or NATO. Officials characterize U.S. policy and statements as “utterly ridiculous” and rife with “inconsistency.”
“On the one hand,” the BuzzFeed source reports a Ukrainian official as saying, “[Washington tells Ukraine] how we should democratize. We stand with you. It’s your right to determine to join the West. We will stand with you against Russian aggression.”
After summarizing past messaging from the U.S., the source accused, “Then Russia turns up the temperature and they’re the first to leave.”
Tension escalated significantly after Biden, during a press conference last week, indicated a “minor incursion” would not result in a strong NATO or U.S. response.
Biden followed that statement by predicting Russian President Vladimir Putin “will move in” to Ukrainian territory because “he has to do something.”
Ukrainian officials were reportedly “stunned” by Biden’s comments, asserting, “It gives the green light to Putin to enter Ukraine at his pleasure.”
The Washington Examiner picked up a Zelensky tweet expressing shock and outrage over Biden’s comments:
“We want to remind the great powers that there are no minor incursions and small nations. Just as there are no minor casualties and little grief from the loss of loved ones. I say this as the President of a great power.”
BuzzFeed reports that Zelensky has tried to assure Ukrainians and avoid panic as warnings from western governments sound in Kyiv. In a televised address last week, the president told his people:
“What’s new? Isn’t this the reality for 8 years? Didn’t the invasion start in 2014? Did the threat of a large-scale war appear only now? These risks existed… they haven’t become bigger. The excitement around them has grown.”
On Monday, Biden put 8,500 troops on heightened alert for potential deployment to Europe.
Scroll down to leave a comment and share your thoughts.