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Did Biden say Kyiv would be 'sacked'? Net tells WH to release transcript of call

Republicans call on the White House to release the transcript of call with Ukrainian President after CNN reports Biden gave dire warning, WH rebuffs

Back in November 2019, Democrats were calling on the Trump White House to release the transcript of a call between the then-President and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In January 2022, the roles appear reversed with Republicans now calling on the Biden administration to reveal what exactly the President said to Zelensky. The controversy stems from CNN's report of the call, which appears to greatly contradict the White House's version of events.

The call between Biden and Zelensky comes as tensions with Russia continue to rise, sparking fears of a war between the West and the Kremlin. While the US and its allies have repeatedly said Russia could be looking to incite conflict, Zelenksy and the Ukrainians have been calling for calm, and denying war is imminent. The call between the two leaders came just a day after the US confirmed it would not take Ukraine's NATO membership off the table, a key demand of Russian President Vladamir Putin.

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What was expected to be a routine call has now escalated into a major campaign by Republicans, led by Rep. Lauren Boebart and other members of the party. If you are wondering why, CNN is probably to blame.

NSC calls CNN reporting 'not true'

On January 27, 2022, Biden held a telephonic conversation with Zelensky about the situation in Eastern Europe. In its official readout, the White House noted Biden "reaffirmed the readiness" to "respond decisively if Russia further invades Ukraine" and "is exploring additional macroeconomic support to help Ukraine’s economy". By most accounts, seemed like a toned-down call between the two, even as the US prepares its military for possible intervention. 

However, CNN reported that it "did not go well", citing a senior Ukrainian official. The official also told CNN that Biden warned a Russian invasion was "virtually certain". CNN's Senior National Security Correspondent Alexander Marquardt also tweeted, "Kyiv could be “sacked," Russian forces may attempt to occupy it, “prepare for impact”, Biden said." The claims by CNN clearly contradict the White House's version of events. 

Clearly, that didn't please the Biden administration. National Security Council spokeswoman Emily Horne told CNN, "Anonymous sources are 'leaking' falsehoods," and noted that Biden said a Russian invasion was a "distinct possibility". The contradiction has now fuelled claims by some that Biden was trying to hide something from the American public, the same way Democrats accused Trump of hiding his alleged quid-pro-quo back in 2019. 

'Gonna do the right thing, Joe?'

Shortly after the contradiction was noticed, social media users began tweeting with the hashtag #ReleaseTheTranscript. Rep. Boebart also joined in, tweeting, "Did Joe go on an incoherent rant with President Zelensky? Did he discuss getting Hunter a few more million dollar windfalls? The American people deserve to know." GOP Congressional candidate Lavern Spicer said, "If Joe Biden does not #ReleaseTheTranscript we need to impeach him IMMEDIATELY!" The GOP House Judiciary account also joined in, tweeting, "Will someone ask @PressSec if the White House will #ReleaseTheTranscript?"

"Now it’s your turn @JoeBiden. #ReleaseTheTranscript," said the Hosue GOP Twitter account. Another user said, "I'm old enough to remember when a call with Ukraine started impeachment hearings..." Another GOP Congressional candidate commented, "A man with nothing to hide would #ReleaseTheTranscript. Gonna do the right thing, Joe?"

So far, the White House has not addressed the calls, and it's unclear if they will release a transcript. Shortly after the call, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters at a press conference, "We continue to see, including in the last 24 hours, more accumulation of credible combat forces arrayed by the Russians." Both the US and Ukraine clearly want to play down rumors of the war, but it appears the US is preparing for it nonetheless.