Biden Faces Moment of Truth on Ukraine at NATO Summit
President Vows to Fight On Amid Debate
Grynbaum Reports on Media Coverage
President Joe Biden will face a moment of truth on Ukraine at the NATO summit, as concerns mount over Russia's military buildup on the border. Biden has insisted he will fight on, and will be in the spotlight later for an unscripted news conference at the end of the summit. Biden's interview on ABC News on Friday night was part of an ongoing effort to manage expectations and persuade the public and allies that he is taking a tough stance on Russia. The president said he believes Putin will move into Ukraine, but emphasized that the United States and its allies are prepared to impose severe economic sanctions if he does. Biden's press conference on Thursday was his first in-person press conference since January, and was widely seen as an attempt to mark his first year in office. Biden defended his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, but was pressed on a range of issues, including inflation and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The president's press conference and interview come at a time when his approval ratings are at historic lows. A recent poll found that only 33% of Americans approve of Biden's job performance. The president's handling of the Ukraine crisis will be closely watched as a test of his leadership and ability to unite the country and its allies.
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