Joe Biden filled his administration with an array of accomplished individuals—Rhodes scholars, Ivy League graduates, and experts with extensive global experience. His national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, has even been described by Biden as a “once-in-a-generation intellect.” As someone immersed in foreign policy for half a century, Biden seemed well-equipped to navigate global crises. Yet, despite this wealth of expertise, his administration has mishandled the war in Ukraine.
The Biden administration’s approach has not only hindered Ukraine’s ability to repel Russia’s invasion but also squandered a critical opportunity to enhance America’s global standing and that of democratic powers. While Ukrainians demonstrated an unexpected capacity to deliver a major military defeat to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Biden’s administration repeatedly delayed providing the necessary support, limiting Ukraine’s ability to respond effectively.
Also read: Organic eggs sold under Costco Kirkland label recalled for salmonella risk
A Crisis Mismanaged
When Putin amassed his invasion force in late 2021 and early 2022, U.S. intelligence had accurately predicted the move and warned Ukraine. However, the administration underestimated what it was facing. Officials assumed that a Russian invasion would result in Ukraine’s swift collapse. This miscalculation heavily influenced Biden’s response.
Stung by the chaotic American withdrawal from Afghanistan just months earlier, Biden reacted to the new crisis with what some have described as self-pity. According to Bob Woodward’s book War, the president remarked, “Jesus Christ! Now I’ve got to deal with Russia swallowing Ukraine?”
Instead of gearing up for decisive action, the administration adopted a cautious approach, constraining Ukraine’s ability to fight. It wasn’t until recently—following his party’s loss in a presidential election—that Biden allowed Ukraine limited use of American weapons against military targets within parts of Russia. This decision came after 33 months of war, during which Russia had freely launched attacks anywhere in Ukraine, often using Iranian-made weaponry.
Prolonging the War
Despite Biden’s public assurances that he would support Ukraine “for as long as it takes,” his administration’s incremental and reactive strategies have lengthened the war. Weapons and aid often arrived too late to alter the course of the conflict. This drawn-out approach allowed Russia to deepen its alliances with China, Iran, and North Korea, amplifying the conflict’s global implications.
The delay in U.S. support has not only prolonged the suffering in Ukraine but has also led to a rise in war crimes and further destabilization in the region. According to Nataliya Gumenyuk, the dynamic between the U.S. and Ukraine has shifted, with the latter taking on a more active and decisive role, while America appears bogged down by indecision.
Conclusion
By treating the conflict as a crisis to manage rather than a war to win, Biden’s administration has missed an opportunity to deal Putin a significant blow and reshape the global balance of power in favor of democracies. With nearly three years of war behind us, the consequences of this cautious approach are becoming ever more apparent, leaving both Ukraine and the broader democratic world to bear the cost.