At a glance:
• Trump claims Putin would not have invaded Ukraine if he were still president
• Biden accuses Trump of being too willing to deal with Putin, calls Russian leader a “war criminal”
• Candidates dispute facts about Afghanistan withdrawal and Iran sanctions
• Trump promises to settle Ukraine conflict quickly if elected
During the 2024 presidential debate on Thursday, June 27, former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden engaged in a heated exchange over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to reports.
Trump’s Ukraine Claims
News sources indicate that Trump argued Putin would not have invaded Ukraine if he had remained in office. The former president reportedly suggested that Biden’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal emboldened the Russian leader. “If we had a real president – a president that was respected by Putin – he would have never invaded Ukraine,” Trump was quoted as saying.
Trump also allegedly criticized Biden’s approach to Iran sanctions, claiming that his own administration’s policies had left Iran “broke” and unable to fund terrorism.
Biden’s Rebuttal
In response, Biden reportedly called Putin a “war criminal” and accused Trump of being too willing to make deals with the Russian leader. The president defended his administration’s actions, claiming that NATO allies have provided significant funding for Ukraine.
Biden also reportedly addressed Trump’s comments on Afghanistan, stating that over 100,000 Americans and others were evacuated during the airlift operation.
Disputed Claims and Fact-Checking
Both candidates made several claims during the debate that have been subject to fact-checking by various sources. Reports suggest that some statements from both Trump and Biden may not be entirely accurate or may lack context.
For instance, Trump’s claim about Iran being “broke” during his administration has been questioned by some analysts. Similarly, Biden’s assertion about NATO allies’ funding for Ukraine has been challenged by some reports.
Looking Ahead
Trump reportedly promised to settle the Ukraine conflict quickly if elected, stating he would do so before taking office. Biden, on the other hand, emphasized the importance of continued support for Ukraine and expressed concerns about Putin’s broader ambitions in the region.
As the 2024 election approaches, the candidates’ divergent views on foreign policy and the handling of the Ukraine conflict are likely to remain key issues of debate.
