On the 27th (local time), during the first TV debate of the U.S. presidential election, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump expressed differing views on the Russia-Ukraine war that has been ongoing since 2022.
Former President Trump stated, "There is an ocean (the Atlantic) between us and Ukraine," arguing that European countries should spend more money supporting Ukraine. He also called President Biden the "best salesman." Trump criticized, "President Biden has provided over $200 million to Ukraine," and "Every time Zelensky (President of Ukraine) comes to the U.S., he takes $60 billion."
Trump also claimed that if he had been president, Russian President Vladimir Putin would not have invaded Ukraine. He said, "The Biden administration's withdrawal from Afghanistan encouraged America's enemies."
Trump added, "Before being inaugurated on January 20, as president-elect, I would have ended the war between Putin and Zelensky." However, when asked if he would accept Putin's condition to end the war by allowing Russia to keep the Ukrainian territory it has occupied so far and Ukraine to give up its NATO membership, he replied, "No, I would not accept that."
President Biden said that Putin would not be satisfied with Ukraine and would threaten Poland and other NATO member countries. He emphasized, "Our NATO allies are funding Ukraine as much as we are," adding, "That is why we are strong."
The debate, which started at 10 a.m. Korean time on the 28th, lasted a total of 90 minutes, with each candidate answering moderator questions for two minutes and rebutting for one minute. Following pre-agreed rules, the two candidates appeared in a studio without an audience, carrying only a pen, paper, and a bottle of water. Bringing pre-written notes or prepared materials was also prohibited.
This face-to-face debate between President Biden and former President Trump is the first in about four years since October 23, 2020. Locally, there is widespread evaluation that this debate could be a crucial turning point in the closely contested U.S. presidential election.
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