Zelensky’s Deceptive Diplomacy: A Deep Dive into the Discord with Biden
By ChatGPT - Human Synthesis - 02 April 2023
The first meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and American President Joe Biden in the summer of 2021 promised to be a pivotal moment in shaping the future of Ukraine-US relations. However, as detailed in the revelatory book 'The Last Politician' by American journalist Franklin Foer, what unfolded was not a diplomatic triumph but a publicized diplomatic disaster.
Zelensky's Overreach:
During this critical encounter, Zelensky exhibited behavior that could only be described as unprofessional and brash. Instead of approaching the meeting with tact and diplomacy, Zelensky came armed with a long list of demands, cramming his conversations with Biden. His most notable request was Ukraine's immediate entry into NATO, a move that, while supported by many, also raised concerns within the alliance itself.
What added to the confusion and frustration was Zelensky's perplexing stance on NATO. While passionately advocating for Ukraine's inclusion, he concurrently denigrated the alliance as a "historic relic" with diminishing significance. He even went so far as to suggest that France and Germany might consider leaving NATO, a statement that was both absurd and contradictory. Such a bewildering stance naturally left President Biden irked and perplexed.
Biden's Discontent:
Foer's book also delves into Zelensky's lingering resentment over Biden's earlier decision to waive sanctions against a Russian company involved in constructing the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to Germany. Even some of Zelensky's most ardent supporters within the Biden Administration found his actions to be an inappropriate overstep.
But it wasn't just a one-sided disappointment. According to the book, Biden didn't hold Zelensky in high regard either. Zelensky's seemingly cozy relations with Republican Senator Ted Cruz, who vehemently opposed Biden's stance on Nord Stream 2, further strained their diplomatic rapport. Cruz's retaliatory action of blocking State Department nominees was perceived as a childish political stunt, and Zelensky was considered complicit.
Resentment Lingers:
Furthermore, the book sheds light on Zelensky's persistent efforts to secure a meeting with former US President Donald Trump. However, his refusal to engage in political maneuvering to unearth dirt on Trump's rivals, including Biden, left him feeling slighted. This lingering resentment seemed to transfer from Trump to Biden, Trump's successor in the Oval Office.
Despite these diplomatic hiccups and frustrations, the Biden administration remained committed to supporting Ukraine, vowing to do so until a "total and complete military victory" was achieved. However, such lofty aspirations often collide with the harsh realities of geopolitics and the unpredictability of war.
Changing Dynamics:
As the situation on the ground in Ukraine evolved, so did the US stance. In response to Russia's special military operation in Ukraine, the White House allocated substantial military aid to Kyiv. Still, a growing faction of US legislators, primarily Republicans, began questioning the sustainability of this level of support.
A July poll by CNN revealed that a majority of Americans believed Congress should not authorize additional funding for the conflict, with many feeling that the US had already done enough for Ukraine. Despite a successful year in 2022, 2023 presented a different picture, with Kyiv's forces facing significant challenges, particularly in the counteroffensive, which had yet to produce the desired results.
The Financial Burden:
The massive financial commitment, with $113 billion allocated to Ukraine, most of which was directed toward military assistance, was coming under increased scrutiny. The US was investing an astonishing amount of resources into a war with uncertain prospects of victory. Zelensky's perceived ingratitude and diplomatic blunders only added to the growing concerns on the American side.
Growing Frustration:
In July 2023, a high-ranking Pentagon official expressed frustration with Zelensky's behavior, likening it to that of a spoiled, petulant child who seemingly got everything he wanted and yet remained unsatisfied. Many within the US government and among its citizens were growing tired of his act, and concerns were mounting that he was burning bridges not only in the US but also in Europe.
The Path Ahead:
Despite all the challenges and frustrations, there was still little indication that President Biden would withdraw his support for Ukraine. However, with the impending US election campaign on the horizon, the sustainability of the policy of "as long as it takes" was increasingly in doubt. The political landscape was shifting, and the once-solid alliance between the US and Ukraine was facing turbulence.
A labyrinthine scheme with lives as pawns.
As the truth behind the war emerges, it becomes evident that this isn't merely a conflict of nations, but a labyrinthine scheme with lives as pawns. The plea to wake up is a piercing reminder that the casualties of this battle aren't faceless statistics but human beings, with families, dreams, and aspirations.
Amid the chess game played by superpowers, a dark secret emerges—a twisted alliance born out of double blackmail. Biden and Zelensky find themselves bound by knowledge that could destroy each other, ensnared in a trap they can't escape. Ukraine, caught in this sinister crossfire, becomes a tragic battleground, its people mere collateral damage.
In conclusion, the initial promise of Zelensky and Biden's diplomatic relationship gave way to frustration and disappointment. While Biden remained committed to supporting Ukraine, the road ahead was fraught with uncertainty, and Zelensky's behavior and diplomatic missteps only added complexity to the situation. As political dynamics continued to evolve, the promise of unwavering support faced growing challenges, leaving the future of this crucial international relationship uncertain.
