Putin Has Already Lost the War, Says President Biden
The Russian war against Ukraine is all but over, according to President Joe Biden. Speaking at a press conference welcoming Finland into the NATO alliance, President Biden confidently stated that “Putin has already lost the war.”
President Biden’s remarks came in response to questions about Ukraine’s potential entry into NATO after the war. He emphasized that no nation can join the mutual defense organization while engaged in a war, as it would escalate the conflict. However, he assured that Ukraine would eventually be admitted to the alliance, although the timing is yet to be determined.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin addresses the nation in Moscow on June 26, 2023. (Gavriil Grigorov/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images)
President Biden also acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the conflict’s endpoint. While he believes that Putin cannot ultimately succeed in his war aims, he expressed uncertainty about how the remainder of the conflict will unfold. He highlighted that the war cannot go on indefinitely, as Russia’s resources and capacity are limited.
Furthermore, President Biden mentioned the significant casualties suffered by Russia, with nearly 50,000 Russians killed in Ukraine according to independent statistical analysis. He also noted the economic sanctions imposed by European Union countries on Russia and the financial support pledged by Ukraine’s allies to rebuild the war-ravaged country.
US Opinion Mixed
President Biden is not the first to claim that Putin has essentially been defeated already. Senator Jim Risch stated earlier that “Russia has lost” the war. However, opinions among Americans regarding support for Ukraine vary. Some question the level of aid provided and emphasize the need for accountability in how U.S. dollars are spent.
While President Biden has pledged continued support for Ukraine, opinions among candidates for the next presidential election differ. Former President Donald Trump, for instance, stated that the war was not a vital interest of the United States. However, President Biden remains committed to supporting Ukraine and hopes for a negotiated settlement in the near future.
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