Ukraine Troubleshooter Steps In... But Biden Faces a Dilemma

1. Doubts Over Sanctions Effectiveness
2. Questions Raised on Additional Sanctions...Risk of Unintended Consequences
3. Worsening Public Opinion in the US

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] U.S. President Joe Biden, who has taken on the role of 'mediator' in the Ukraine crisis, is increasingly caught in a 'dilemma.' With the midterm elections coming up in November, instead of solidifying America's leadership as the 'world police,' he is struggling to find a solution due to Russia's hardline stance. The sanctions, which were the only card left to pressure Russia, are now being questioned, and there are growing concerns that the fallout could affect the U.S. and others. Public opinion within the U.S. watching President Biden is also unfavorable.

According to the White House on the 23rd (local time), President Biden added sanctions related to the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline connecting Russia and Germany. This was an additional measure following the first-stage sanctions announced the previous day targeting Russian financial institutions.

However, the effectiveness of the sanctions is uncertain. Although the intention is to block Russia's natural gas exports, it will take several months to deliver a meaningful impact. Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council, warned that gas prices in Europe would soar. Regarding Nord Stream 2, since the interests of major European countries like Germany are intertwined, it is considered a card that could be quickly discarded if tensions ease even slightly. The financial sanctions announced a day earlier are also analyzed to have little effect considering Russia's foreign exchange reserves.

There are other cards available. Export control measures and removal from the international financial messaging system (SWIFT), which the U.S. is currently preparing, are considered relatively strong options. However, if Russia retaliates with counter-sanctions, there is a possibility of a strong backlash against the U.S. and the global economy. This could place the responsibility for an energy crisis, including a sharp rise in oil prices, on President Biden. In such a case, inflation in the U.S., which is already at its highest level in 40 years, would inevitably soar further.

Politico pointed out, "Even in a war on the brink of eruption, President Biden will not cross the line in Ukraine," adding, "Reluctant to deploy U.S. troops, the cards he can play are limited to 'condemnation,' 'economic sanctions,' and 'urging allied responses.'"

Public opinion in the U.S. is also unfavorable. According to a joint poll released by AP News on the same day, 7 out of 10 Americans opposed the Biden administration playing a major role in the Ukraine crisis. 52% of respondents said 'only a minor role is needed,' and 20% said 'no role at all is necessary.'

A man in his 60s living in Tennessee criticized, "The Biden administration is trying to spend millions of dollars to stop a war that has nothing to do with us," adding, "Lower the oil prices." AP News evaluated this as showing that voters ahead of the U.S. midterm elections prioritize domestic economic issues such as inflation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.