A forthcoming book by legendary journalist Bob Woodward is set to reveal significant details about the Biden administration’s view on the origins of the Ukraine-Russia war. The book, titled “War,” presents intimate insights from President Joe Biden’s inner circle, shedding light on their discussions surrounding the blame game regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the aftermath of this ongoing conflict.
According to excerpts obtained by Axios and CNN, the Biden-Harris team has expressed frustration, laying partial responsibility on the Obama administration for not addressing the growing tensions with Russia seriously enough. In a notable July 4th meeting, Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken reportedly reflected on the political fallout Biden faced, particularly after a difficult debate with former President Donald Trump.
Woodward’s book offers a rare, near-real-time perspective on Biden’s struggles as the leader of the free world. The famed reporter, who has covered ten U.S. administrations, writes about the Biden team’s belief that President Obama underestimated Vladimir Putin, specifically during the 2014 annexation of Crimea. Biden reportedly criticized Obama for not taking more decisive military action during that period, which could have altered Russia’s aggressive ambitions.
The Biden administration, facing an unprecedented war in Ukraine, was alarmed by the prospect of a nuclear threat from Putin. Intelligence reports suggested a 50% chance of nuclear escalation. Publicly, the White House believes the war has weakened Russia, with Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines reporting significant Russian losses, including an estimated 200,000 military casualties and $200 billion in war expenditures.
However, the Biden-Harris administration has also been keen to distance itself from the unusual relationship between Putin and Donald Trump. Woodward’s sources indicate the administration claimed Trump and Putin had numerous private conversations post-2020, although Trump’s spokesperson has denied these claims.
President Obama himself had a rocky relationship with Putin, likening him to a “ward boss” from his Chicago days — tough, unsentimental, and politically ruthless. In his 2020 memoir, Obama described Putin as a political force similar to those who ran Tammany Hall in New York, willing to use bribery, patronage, and even violence as tools of the trade. This historical perspective is important, as Biden now faces the consequences of not only Putin’s aggression but also navigating a complex global stage that continues to evolve.
As the war in Ukraine rages on, Woodward’s “War” gives readers unprecedented access to behind-the-scenes tensions and decisions, with far-reaching implications for international relations. The revelations surrounding Biden’s frustrations with Obama and the handling of Russia will likely spark significant debate as the U.S. navigates the future of global diplomacy.