Biden's Bold Moves at G20: A Ticking Clock Before Trump's Return

As President Biden embarks on what may be his final summit with global leaders, the urgency is palpable. The stakes are high as he strives to garner stronger support for Ukraine amidst the looming shadow of President-elect Donald J. Trump, who threatens to reverse major foreign policy initiatives.

Just prior to the Group of 20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Biden made headlines by authorizing the first deployment of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles by Ukraine for strikes within Russian territory. U.S. officials report this decision came in response to Russia's recent recruitment of North Korean troops, signaling an escalation in the conflict. In a show of defiance, Russia had launched one of its most significant attacks on Ukraine, striking at its power grid.

For two years, Biden's administration has sent billions in military aid to support Ukraine in resisting Russian aggression. However, his hesitance regarding offensive weapons raised concerns about the potential to provoke further conflict with Russia. This newfound relaxation of rules around offensive capabilities may reflect the administration's acknowledgment of the urgency of the situation, especially as Trump’s potential return to power looms large.

French President Emmanuel Macron, also present in Rio, condemned Russia's actions, emphasizing that Putin has demonstrated an unwillingness to pursue peace negotiations. As conversations among leaders unfold, the specter of both Trump and Putin—a duo known for their unpredictability—hangs in the air.

Biden and his team are racing against time. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan revealed that the administration is mobilizing military resources rapidly, aiming to reinforce Ukraine’s position before the potential shift in U.S. leadership. This push contrasts starkly with Biden's previously measured approach regarding advanced weaponry, highlighting a decisive turn in strategy spurred by escalating threats from Russia.

While Biden reiterated his commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty during a summit event focused on global hunger and poverty, the broader landscape of U.S. foreign policy remains precarious. The prospect of Trump’s isolationist 'America First' doctrine has many world leaders concerned about the future of international alliances and cooperation.

Experts note that as Biden attempts to solidify partnerships during this critical summit, attention is already shifting among global leaders towards how they will navigate relations with the U.S. under a potential Trump administration.

China's President, Xi Jinping, echoed this sentiment, expressing a willingness to engage with a new U.S. administration, hinting at changing tides in global diplomacy. Many countries, including Brazil, are strengthening ties within the BRICS alliance, which could signal a significant pivot away from Western influence.

As the summit progresses, Biden's supporters aim to lock in agreements on crucial issues such as climate action and health resilience. Nevertheless, the specter of Trump underscores the political volatility that could dismantle these initiatives in a matter of months. A key focus for Latin American leaders will include navigating the turbulent waters of U.S. immigration policy reforms likely to be proposed by Trump, which may put additional pressure on their own national situations.

With President Biden’s final months in office ticking away, the world watches closely as the ramifications of his decisions unfold against the backdrop of a rapidly approaching change in leadership atmosphere.