Biden's Last Summit: Urging Global Support for Ukraine Amidst Trump Concerns

In a significant shift, President Biden has authorized Ukraine's use of long-range missiles in his last summit with global leaders, amidst growing military aggression from Russia and uncertain political future.

President Biden is set to commence what may be his final summit as the incumbent leader at the Group of 20 gathering in Rio de Janeiro, emphasizing the need for robust support for Ukraine amidst the suspense surrounding the impending presidency of Donald J. Trump. Just before the summit commenced, Biden made a pivotal move by approving Ukraine's deployment of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles for operations within Russia. This decision marks a notable turning point in U.S. military policy aimed to bolster Ukraine's defenses, particularly in light of recent events where Russia actively enlisted North Korean troops to fortify their military actions.

The authorization coincides with a significant Russian strike on Ukraine's power infrastructure, registering one of the most substantial assaults of the ongoing war. Over the past two years, Biden has committed billions in military assistance to Ukraine to fend off Russian advancements; however, he has been cautious regarding offensive capabilities, fearing repercussions that might provoke President Vladimir V. Putin into escalating the conflict further.

While Putin and Trump will not be present at the summit, discussions are anticipated to focus heavily on their potential influence on the global stage in the years ahead. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condemnation of Russia's actions, stating that the recent bombardment clearly indicates Putin's lack of interest in seeking a diplomatic resolution. This suggests that the international community remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine, while the future of U.S. foreign policy hangs in the balance with the potential transition of power back to Trump.