Ukraine News:

Zelenskyy Criticizes Biden in Final Days Regarding Sanctions Against Russia

Written by Edda Bevilacqua

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized U.S. President Joe Biden’s refusal to sanction Russia before the 2022 invasion, describing his threats as B.S. Zelenskyy spoke with podcaster Lex Fridman on the Ukrainian government-run station United 24, discussing his relationships with both President Biden and President-elect Donald Trump.

Zelenskyy said he has maintained a friendly relationship with President-elect Donald Trump. His falling out with President Biden began when Biden lifted sanctions on the Nord Steam 2 gas pipeline. The project ended in September of 2022 when underwater explosions destroyed the pipeline. Zelenskyy said the refusal to sanction Russia infuriated him. He stated:

“I asked for one thing, primarily from the United States-if you are sure, if you have evidence, if you talk to him (Putin), and he tells you there will be an invasion, if all this scares you, I only asked for two things: send the weapons, or better yet, strengthen us with preventive measures so there would be no war.”

Zelenskyy criticized U.S. President Biden’s decision to send weapons, saying he really wanted sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said, “It wasn’t the weapons I was asking for. I asked for sanctions. Intimidate him. Please don’t say ‘If he comes, if he crosses borders, if he kills, we’re imposing sanctions.’ Well, this complete B.S. Sorry, but really.”

Zelenskyy said he favors the “peace through strength” message offered by President-elect Donald Trump and said of Putin, “Do you think Putin wants to end the war? That’s naive. I’m sorry. The only thing he understands is fear and strength.”