Today's D Brief: Ukraine strikes inside Russia, which hits Kyiv; Maui response; Gabon coup; Whistleblower’s big payday; And a bit more.
Defense OneSep 02, 2023
Book: Zelenskyy 'Bombed' First Meeting With Biden at White House
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Image copyright: The White House [via Wikimedia Commons]
The Facts
Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly "bombed" his first meeting with US Pres. Joe Biden at the White House, according to a new book that will be released next week.
According to a pre-release copy of Franklin Foer's "The Last Politician: Inside Joe Biden's White House and the Struggle for America's Future" obtained by the Guardian, Zelenskyy infuriated Biden in their September 2021 meeting.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Biden was delighted to welcome Zelenskyy to the White House. In the meeting, the US reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and international integrity, as well as supported Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
Establishment-critical narrative
Biden's meeting with Zelenskyy was a disaster. The Ukrainian leader came with a long list of demands and started to lecture the US president when he didn't get his way. It wasn't the best way to start off their relationship.
