Senator Ted Cruz, a stalwart conservative voice from Texas, has squarely placed the blame for the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war on the shoulders of former President Joe Biden. Speaking on Fox News Channel’s “The Ingraham Angle” on February 19, 2025, Cruz argued that Biden’s feeble leadership emboldened Russia to invade Ukraine, a conflict that has destabilized Europe and threatened global security. For Republicans aged 40 and older, who value strength and decisive action in foreign policy, Cruz’s words strike a chord, reflecting their deep-seated frustration with Democratic governance.

Cruz minced no words during his appearance, asserting, “Look, this war was caused by Joe Biden’s weakness as commander-in-chief.” He pointed to Biden’s tenure as a time when America’s adversaries saw an opportunity to act without fear of reprisal. The senator contrasted this with the current administration, noting, “The biggest difference in the last month in terms of foreign policy is our enemies are terrified of Donald Trump.” For conservatives who lived through the Cold War and remember the importance of a strong deterrent, this comparison underscores the necessity of projecting power to maintain peace.

The Texas lawmaker elaborated on his critique, suggesting that Biden’s approach lacked the resolve needed to keep hostile nations in check. He told host Laura Ingraham, “When they view him as weak and ineffective, which Biden was, it encourages the bad guys to be more aggressive.” This perspective resonates with older Republicans who have long viewed strength as the cornerstone of American foreign policy—a principle they believe was abandoned under Biden’s watch, leading to chaos abroad.

Cruz also addressed the role of European allies, acknowledging their contributions but emphasizing America’s leadership. When Ingraham asked, “Should they be carrying the lion’s share of the defense burden?” Cruz responded, “I agree that the Biden administration was happy just to write checks from the American taxpayers and not to have Europe carry a heavier load. That was a serious mistake, but the even bigger mistake was causing the war.” For conservative voters who prioritize fiscal responsibility and American sovereignty, this critique highlights Biden’s failure to demand more from NATO partners while simultaneously inviting conflict through perceived weakness.

The senator’s remarks align with a broader conservative narrative that Biden’s policies undermined global stability. He stated, “Look, there’s no doubt—Europe contributing and contributing more, but Europe are also strong allies, and so I don’t think the right lesson to take from this is that we should just run away from Europe. We can work with them.” This balanced stance appeals to Republicans who support alliances but insist on a robust American presence—something they feel was absent under Biden, leaving Ukraine vulnerable to Russian aggression.