Biden blasts Trump’s push for Ukraine to cede land to Russia, calling it “modern-day appeasement” and warning of risks to US alliances and global security.

Biden Warns of “Appeasement” as Trump Pressures Ukraine on Russia

A Sharp Rebuke in First Post-White House Interview

In his first major interview since leaving office, Joe Biden sharply criticized Donald Trump’s approach to the Ukraine conflict, labeling the push for Ukraine to surrender territory to Russia as “modern-day appeasement”. Speaking with the BBC in Delaware, Biden argued that conceding land would only embolden Vladimir Putin and undermine global security.

Biden’s Fears for US Alliances and Global Stability

Biden warned that Trump’s stance could fracture US-European relations, stating, “such a decline would alter the modern history of the world”. He expressed concern that European leaders may lose faith in America’s reliability if the US is seen as pressuring Ukraine to accept Russian demands.

Ukraine Peace Talks: Lines Drawn Over Territory

The Trump administration has recently floated proposals that would see Ukraine cede territory, including Crimea, to Russia as part of a peace deal. Biden rejected this approach, comparing it to failed attempts to appease dictators in the past and insisting, “anyone who believes Putin will stop if some territory is conceded is simply misguided”.

A Divided Response to Russia’s Invasion

While Trump argues that ending the war quickly is the priority, Biden maintains that the US must stand for “freedom, democracy, and opportunity-not confiscation”. He defended his own record of supporting Ukraine’s independence and readiness to act if Russia escalated further.

Canadians traveler are bypassing the U.S. amid political tensions, choosing Mexico, the Caribbean, and domestic destinations, reshaping North American tourism.

Canadians Turn Away from U.S., Seek New Destinations

A growing number of Canadians are choosing to bypass the United States for their vacations, opting instead for Mexico, the Caribbean, and other international and domestic hotspots. This shift comes amid escalating political tensions, tariffs, and concerns over border scrutiny, leaving the U.S. travel industry facing a significant decline in Canadian visitors.

Industry Leaders Confirm Changing Travel Patterns

Executives from major travel companies like Airbnb, Hyatt, and Booking Holdings revealed during recent earnings calls that Canadian travel to the U.S. has dropped sharply. Airbnb’s CFO Ellie Mertz noted Canadians are traveling less to the U.S. but more to Mexico, Brazil, France, and Japan. Hyatt’s CEO Mark Hoplamazian described the trend as a “flyover,” with Canadians favoring all-inclusive resorts in the Bahamas over U.S. destinations. Booking Holdings’ CEO Glenn Fogel emphasized that while Canadians spend similarly, they are simply choosing different locations.

Airlines Feel the Impact

Delta and United Airlines report significant declines in Canadian bookings to the U.S., with United’s CEO Scott Kirby noting a 9% drop in Canadian passenger volumes year over year. Delta is considering reducing capacity in response to the downturn.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Statistics Canada data shows a nearly 32% drop in Canadian road trips to the U.S. in March 2025 compared to the previous year, with air travel down 13.5%. This decline threatens billions in U.S. tourism revenue and tens of thousands of jobs, as Canada remains the top source of inbound visitors to the U.S.

Political Tensions Drive Travel Decisions

Many Canadians cite President Donald Trump’s tariffs, controversial remarks about Canada, and increased border enforcement as reasons for avoiding U.S. travel. A Longwoods International study found 60% of Canadian adults are less likely to visit the U.S. due to these factors, with over a third canceling planned trips.

Canadians Embrace Domestic and Alternative International Travel

In response, Canadians are exploring more domestic destinations like Tofino, St. John’s, and Gaspésie, as well as international spots such as Cancun, Punta Cana, and even France and Japan. Expedia reports a surge in domestic travel bookings, reflecting a growing preference for closer-to-home vacations.

Economic Fallout and Future Outlook

The U.S. Travel Association warns that even a 10% decline in Canadian tourism could cost the U.S. $2.1 billion annually, with current trends potentially leading to losses exceeding $6 billion. While some hope for a rebound, industry experts suggest the shift may be long-lasting, reshaping North American travel dynamics.

Bottom Line:

As Canadians rethink their travel plans, the U.S. faces a tourism challenge unlike any before. Meanwhile, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Canada itself are reaping the benefits of this new travel landscape.

Polls reveal 41-55% in US and Europe expect World War III soon, with nuclear war feared and widespread doubts about military readiness.

Rising Global Anxiety Over a Possible World War III

Eighty years after VE-Day ended World War II in Europe, fears of a third global conflict are resurfacing. Recent YouGov polling across the US and major European countries shows that 41 to 55 percent of respondents believe another world war could break out within the next five to ten years. In the US, 45 percent share this concern, reflecting a growing sense of unease about international stability.

Nuclear Threats and Catastrophic Casualties Loom Large

The majority of those surveyed-between 68 and 76 percent-expect any future world war to involve nuclear weapons. Furthermore, 57 to 73 percent anticipate that casualties would surpass those of previous global conflicts, with 25 to 44 percent fearing that such a war could result in the deaths of most of the world’s population. This grim outlook underscores the heightened anxiety around modern warfare’s destructive potential.

Confidence in Military Preparedness Varies Sharply

Despite the looming threat, confidence in national defense capabilities differs markedly. Only a small fraction of Western Europeans-ranging from 16 percent in Italy to 44 percent in France-believe their militaries could effectively defend their countries in a world war scenario. Conversely, 71 percent of Americans express confidence in their armed forces’ ability to protect the nation.

Russia Seen as the Primary Threat to Peace

Across Europe, Russia is widely viewed as the main instigator of potential conflict, with 72 to 82 percent of Western Europeans identifying it as a major or moderate threat. Similarly, 69 percent of Americans share this perception. Additionally, tensions between Europe and the US, particularly under former President Donald Trump’s administration, have contributed to concerns about continental peace.

Broader Security Concerns Beyond Global Conflict

Beyond fears of world war, domestic terrorism, personal safety, and ethnic conflicts remain significant worries. Ipsos polling highlights that 66 percent of respondents see terrorism as a threat, while concerns about security violations and ethnic tensions also rank highly. These issues compound the overall sense of insecurity felt across many nations.

The Path Forward: Awareness and Preparedness

As global tensions persist, these polls emphasize the urgent need for diplomatic efforts, military readiness, and public awareness to mitigate the risk of large-scale conflict. The shadow of World War III, with its devastating potential, continues to influence public sentiment and policy discussions across the Western world.

This analysis is based on recent YouGov and Ipsos polling data from multiple countries, reflecting current public opinion on global security and conflict risks.