Politics

Biden Predicts Putin’s Defeat in Ukraine - Calls for Release of US Journalist Imprisoned in Russia

By Belal Awad · July 14, 2023

During his visit to Finland, President Biden declared that Putin has lost the war in Ukraine called for release of detained Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich through a prisoner exchange. The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In a recent five-day trip to Europe which concluded with a stop in Finland, President Joe Biden made a bold assertion regarding the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Invoking Russian President Vladimir Putin, the leader of the Western world said, “There is no possibility of him winning the war in Ukraine. He’s already lost that war.”

The President’s remarks came amid reports of Ukraine’s continued counter-offensive operations against Russia. Ukrainian forces have been making gains as it conducts offensive operations south and north of the eastern city of Bakhmut, most of which has been under Russian control.

Biden said, “My hope is and my expectation is you’ll see that Ukraine makes significant progress on their offensive, and that it generates a negotiated settlement somewhere along the line.”

During his visit, President Biden also addressed the issue of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been detained by Russian authorities for over 100 days on espionage charges. The President pressed for a prisoner exchange to secure Gershkovich’s release. Gershkovich’s family has been advocating for his release since his arrest in Yekaterinburg while on assignment from The Wall St. Journal.

Biden’s visit to Finland marked the country’s recent induction into the NATO alliance. While meeting with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, Biden hailed Finland as an important asset to the NATO military alliance. Niinisto praised Biden for promoting unity at the Vilnius summit, which focused on supporting Ukraine in its war efforts. Biden also pledged to add Ukraine to the NATO alliance once the war is won.

Light Wave commentary

President Biden’s declaration of Putin’s defeat in Ukraine reflects a left-of-center perspective that prioritizes diplomatic efforts and de-escalation. By asserting that Putin has already lost the war, Biden is signaling a commitment to finding a negotiated settlement and supporting Ukraine’s offensive operations. His focus on securing the release of imprisoned journalist Evan Gershkovich reaffirms his and NATO’s commitment to press freedom and human rights. Biden’s visit to new NATO member Finland and his pledge to add Ukraine to NATO after the war showcases a multilateral approach to resolving the conflict.