Biden called Zelensky capricious and subservient and admitted that he prevented Trump from starting negotiations with Putin. WSJ.
In his new memoir, Joe Biden spoke about his difficult relationship with Zelensky and his decision to prevent early contacts between Donald Trump's team and Moscow. Excerpts from the book, scheduled for release on November 17, are cited by the Wall Street Journal.
The former US president acknowledged that Zelensky's acting background helped him in his role as a wartime leader, but personal communications left a mixed impression.
"In our private conversations, Zelensky can be capricious and stubborn and not as grateful as I expected," Biden wrote.
Remembering Vladimir Putin, the former US president noted his irritable tone and manner of showing indifference during meetings.
Biden also said that after Trump's victory in the 2024 election, he refused to sign a document that would allow the new administration to begin direct negotiations with Putin before the inauguration.
He explained his refusal by not wanting to give the Trump team "carte blanche" for possible agreements, which he believes is a capitulation at the expense of Ukraine.