Biden's Memoir Details Encounters With Putin and Zelensky

Former U.S. President Joe Biden has described his private interactions with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky in his upcoming memoir, "Promise Me, Dad." The book, set for release on November 17, offers candid assessments of the leaders' behavior behind closed doors, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Biden characterized Putin's demeanor during summits as "irritating" and "arrogant," noting that the Russian leader often spoke in a "petulant tone" and would slouch like a "teenager" during meetings, appearing indifferent. The former president also reflected on Zelensky's background as an actor, acknowledging it served him well in communicating Ukraine's position to the world. However, Biden also stated that in private, Zelensky could be "stubborn" and did not always show the level of gratitude for U.S. support that Washington expected.

The memoir also touches upon the transition period before Donald Trump's return to the White House. Biden recounts that Trump's team requested a special permit to engage in direct, separate negotiations with Moscow before Trump's official inauguration. Biden refused this request, stating he did not want to grant his successor a free hand for a backroom deal with the Kremlin that he believed would have led to Ukraine's capitulation of national interests and territories.

This is not the first time Biden has offered critical remarks about foreign leaders in his memoir; previously, he criticized Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.