Ukrainian President Zelensky Tells Russia to Pound Sand — and Hits Joe Biden’s Impotence – Opinion

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, is still in Kyiv despite intense Russian military attacks on the capital. As we’ve reported, Vladimir Putin’s forces have suffered heavy losses over the first few days of the invasion, running into resistance they clearly didn’t expect.

Russia made terms of peace Friday. It demanded neutrality, the ceding and disarmament of territories, as well as full capitulation. However, the Ukrainians failed to respond immediately suggesting that they may be open to negotiation. This appears to not be the case now, however, Zelensky telling Russians to “pound sand”.

JUST IN – #UkraineThe Kremlin has rejected all negotiations. Kremlin declares that the military campaign will be resumed in full force.

— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) February 26, 2022

If the Ukrainians have the resolve to continue fighting, and there’s every reason to believe they do, this is the right move. Putin’s terms were laughably one-sided, and to go to the negotiating table so quickly would itself represent a major concession by Ukraine. This invasion is not going according to plan for Russia, and while there will almost certainly be a time for a negotiated ceasefire in the future, that time isn’t now.

The relationship between Ukraine and the United States is another part of the equation. On that front, Zelensky has offered criticism of Joe Biden’s leadership, levying a sharp rebuke of the US president’s relatively weak initial action to the invasion.

Zelenskyy made a statement that seemed to take advantage of President Biden (and others) who had imposed sanctions on Russia. He claims they did not deter Russian aggression.

“This morning we are defending our state alone. Like yesterday, the world’s most powerful forces are watching from afar,” he said, the Kyiv Independent reported.

He added: “Did yesterday’s sanctions convince Russia? We hear in our sky and see on our earth that this was not enough.”

That rift escalated after Zelensky directly addressed urgings from the Biden administration for him to flee Ukraine instead of remaining to lead his nation’s defense. In a phrase that will no doubt become an iconic part of this entire saga, Ukraine’s president asserted, “I need ammunition, not a ride.”

Putin’s main achievement in the last 48 hours is making President Zelensky a global hero. His quote to Americans offering to evacuate him “I need ammunition, not a ride”.

— Stig Abell (@StigAbell) February 26, 2022

The contrast between Joe Biden heading off to Delaware for another four-day vacation in the middle of  Russia invading Europe while Zelensky rebuff’s calls for him to run couldn’t be starker. Whatever his flaws, Ukraine’s president has shown the world what real leadership looks like. Sometimes it means putting a stop to the chaos and willing to go to any length necessary.

And while some, including on the right, have suggested we shouldn’t criticize the US president in the midst of this conflict, I think that’s bunk. The US has responded relatively slowly and is not actively involved in this war. Two, if Biden can’t even take things seriously enough to stay at the White House as Ukraine begs for assistance, then he’s fair game. His incompetence is a matter of public record.