Donald Trump and Joe Biden's War of Words: Ukraine, NATO, and Israel in spotlight at campaign debate

Against a backdrop of global turmoil—the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict—issues once on the sidelines surged to prominence.

In a gripping showdown that defined their first debate of the campaign season, former United States president Donald Trump and President Joe Biden took centre stage with foreign policy thrust into the spotlight. Against a backdrop of global turmoil—the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict—issues once on the sidelines surged to prominence.

While familiar domestic concerns like the economy and healthcare lingered, the debate erupted into a fierce exchange over America's global role. Biden and Trump clashed intensely on US stance towards the Russia-Ukraine war, aid to Kyiv, and Washington's commitments to NATO. President Biden stood firm on US support for Ukraine. Under the Biden administration, the US has been a strong supporter of Ukraine's war efforts, providing significant military aid. Biden emphasised the US's role in garnering international support for Ukraine during the war, citing backing from 50 other nations, including Japan and South Korea.

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During a heated exchange, Biden and Trump expressed strong differences of opinion on the US stance regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the extent of US assistance to Kyiv, and America's commitments to NATO. The current US administration has consistently stood behind Ukraine, providing approximately $175 million in military aid since the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. President Biden emphasised this support, positioning the United States as a global unifying force in garnering international backing for Ukraine during the conflict. He highlighted the support of 50 other countries, including Japan and South Korea, in aiding Ukraine.

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Aishwarya Dabhade

Senior Sub Editor, Editorial and Content|Moneycontrol

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Trump, in stark contrast, levied unsubstantiated claims that Biden had somehow encouraged Russia's aggression and attributed the invasion to the Biden administration's tumultuous Afghanistan withdrawal in May 2021. Trump criticised Biden's handling of Afghanistan, labelling it a "horrible embarrassment". He further asserted that a different approach from a "real president" would have prevented Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, Trump pledged to "settle" the conflict between Russia and Ukraine before taking office for a second term, without providing specifics on how he would accomplish this. He also reiterated dissatisfaction with NATO, arguing that Russia should have more latitude in its dealings with member states failing to meet defence spending obligations, stating, "We're footing everyone's bills."

Additionally, Trump predicted that the Biden administration's actions would lead the United States into another war, warning, "He will drive us into World War III, and we're closer to World War III than anyone can imagine, and he's going to drive us there." In response, Biden refuted the allegations, stating, "You want World War III? Let [Trump] win and let him tell Putin to do whatever the hell he wants to NATO.”

Both candidates issued strong endorsements of Israel, with varying degrees and approaches. Biden touted support from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his strategy on Hamas, pushing back against accusations of insufficient aid by highlighting restrictions on large bombs unsuitable for civilian areas, reiterating that the only weapons Biden denied Israel were 2,000-pound bombs, which "don't work very well in populated areas" and "kill a lot of people".

“The only party interested in prolonging the war is Hamas,” he stated, emphasising that the militant group has been significantly weakened and “needs to be neutralised,” with a caution for Israel to “exercise caution in densely populated areas.”

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In contrast, Trump argued vigorously, claiming it's Israel driving the conflict forward and suggesting they be allowed to "finish the job". Moreover, echoing his previous claim that Putin would not have invaded Ukraine if Trump had been in the White House, he asserted that Hamas would not have attacked Israel if Trump had been president at the time. Asked by moderator Dana Bash if he would support the establishment of a Palestinian state, Trump deflected, only saying he would “have to see” before quickly pivoting back to criticisms about Biden’s engagement with NATO.