Biden Administration Official: Russia's Nuclear Threat Did Not Hinder U.S. Support for Ukraine

The Biden administration defended its support for Ukraine against Russia, stating that Russia's nuclear threats did not prevent U.S. assistance to Ukraine in the war with Russia. Some critics argue that Biden missed a historic opportunity to support Ukraine in a way that could lead to victory against Russia. Michael Carpenter, the Senior Director for Europe at the National Security Council, emphasized in an exclusive interview with Voice of America: 'The United States has provided every military capability that Ukraine has requested.' Carpenter pointed to the Biden administration's achievements in this regard, including a $50 billion loan to Ukraine, which was secured in collaboration with G7 partners, and 'unprecedented energy and financial sanctions' against Russia. However, he acknowledged the challenges, stating: 'Ukraine has less force on the battlefield compared to Russia.' Regarding the prospects of negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv, this White House official said it is very important for Ukrainian leaders, especially President Volodymyr Zelensky, to decide when they want to negotiate. He warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin 'does not want to enter negotiations in good faith' and is seeking to impose surrender conditions on Ukraine in the negotiations. Carpenter also addressed concerns about U.S. deterrence against Russian nuclear threats, stating that no one has backed down against Russia's threats, adding that it is reasonable for the U.S., as the world's most powerful nuclear force, to manage tensions. He noted that 'the United States has provided every capability that Ukraine has requested.' The Senior Director for Europe at the National Security Council, in another part of his interview with Voice of America, said it is up to the next U.S. administration to guarantee a fair, sustainable, and lasting peace that preserves Ukraine's sovereignty. Joe Biden published a farewell letter along with a report on his administration's work. NATO is taking action to protect critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. Germany: The largest European NATO members will quickly implement new goals. Sweden is assisting NATO to strengthen monitoring operations in the Baltic Sea.