Part 5/9:
When conflict erupted on February 24, 2022, the Biden administration's response was fraught with contradictions. Despite prior knowledge of Russia's potential aggression, U.S. officials—including Colin Kahl—dismissed diplomatic avenues concerning NATO discussions, affirming an unwavering open-door policy towards NATO membership for Ukraine. Yet, in the subsequent months, Biden maintained that Ukraine was not ready for NATO membership, frustrating Ukrainian leadership who had relied on U.S. support.