Biden Ukraine support/ Berlin meeting Biden/ Scholz Ukraine aid/ NATO support Ukraine/ Biden Scholz Middle East/ U.S. election Ukraine impact/ Newslooks/ BERLIN/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Biden emphasized the importance of continued Western support for Ukraine during a Berlin meeting with European leaders. He warned against weakening resolve as Ukraine faces a difficult winter. With the U.S. election approaching, Biden’s focus is on maintaining strong international alliances amid concerns over Donald Trump’s potential policies.
Ukraine Support Quick Looks
- Biden’s Message: Urged Western allies to stay committed to Ukraine despite the upcoming U.S. election.
- Meeting in Berlin: Biden met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, alongside French and British leaders.
- Scholz’s Support: Pledged continued aid to Ukraine but rejected sending Taurus missiles.
- Trump Factor: Concerns over Trump’s potential foreign policy shifts, including his stance on NATO and Ukraine.
- Biden’s Warning: Stressed that the cost of supporting Ukraine is less than the cost of unchecked aggression.
- Middle East Discussions: Biden also touched on Iran’s destabilizing role and the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Biden Meets Scholz, Macron, Starmer to Discuss Ukraine, Middle East
Deep Look
President Joe Biden delivered a clear message to Western allies during a meeting in Berlin: support for Ukraine must remain steadfast. This call to action comes as the U.S. presidential election looms, heightening concerns about the future of American foreign policy. Biden, joined by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, underscored the importance of continuing to aid Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.
Biden’s visit to Germany highlighted the crucial role Western nations play in Ukraine’s survival, particularly as the country faces another tough winter. He acknowledged that the ongoing support requires significant resources but emphasized that the cost of doing nothing is far greater. “Make no mistake, it pales in comparison to the cost of living in a world where aggression prevails,” Biden said. He warned that if large countries are allowed to bully smaller ones unchecked, global stability would be at risk.
The Berlin meeting comes at a pivotal time for Biden, with the U.S. election just weeks away. His Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, is facing a tough challenge from Republican Donald Trump. Trump has expressed indifference toward Ukraine’s struggle and has raised doubts about the U.S. commitment to NATO. During a recent debate, Trump refused to say whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war, leading to speculation about how a Trump presidency could alter the international support network Biden has worked to build.
Biden, who has made multiple visits to key allies, did not want to end his term without visiting Berlin, especially after already meeting with leaders in Japan, South Korea, France, and Ukraine. His focus has been on shoring up these partnerships, ensuring that Europe and the U.S. remain aligned on critical security issues. German Chancellor Scholz echoed Biden’s sentiments, promising to support Ukraine “as long as it is necessary.” Scholz, however, remains cautious about certain aspects of the conflict. Notably, he has resisted pressure to send long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, despite calls for more aggressive aid from other quarters.
Scholz’s position was further clarified when he announced a $50 billion loan package for Ukraine, funded by profits from frozen Russian assets. This package is intended to bolster Ukraine’s economy and help sustain its war effort without directly involving NATO in the conflict. Scholz has been firm in his stance that NATO must not become a direct party to the war, fearing that a larger confrontation could escalate into a wider catastrophe.
Biden’s trip to Berlin also included a ceremonial element: he received Germany’s Order of Merit, the highest honor the country bestows. This award, previously given to former U.S. President George H.W. Bush for his role in German reunification, underscored the strong ties between the U.S. and Germany. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier took the opportunity to reflect on the importance of the U.S.-Germany relationship, noting that there have been periods of both closeness and distance. He specifically referenced the strained relations during Trump’s previous term, but praised Biden for restoring hope in the trans-Atlantic alliance.
Biden, in turn, expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting the “wide sweep of history” he has witnessed in his 81 years. He emphasized the enduring power of democracy and the value of alliances, urging Europeans and Americans alike to remember that their partnerships are indispensable.
The meeting also touched on other global conflicts. Biden commended Germany for its cooperation in holding Iran accountable for supplying missiles and drones to Russia, which have been used against Ukraine. He pointed to new European sanctions against key Iranian airlines and stressed the need for continued coordination in addressing Iran’s destabilizing activities.
In a broader geopolitical context, Biden reaffirmed his support for Israel’s right to self-defense, especially in light of the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. However, he urged Israeli leaders to seize the moment as an opportunity for peace in Gaza, advocating for a future without Hamas while emphasizing the need to minimize civilian suffering.
Trump, meanwhile, has vowed to end the war in Ukraine and bring stability to the Middle East. He claims that his foreign policy would have prevented both Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Hamas’s attacks on Israel. Trump argues that his approach, which includes imposing tariffs and withdrawing from some international agreements, would prioritize U.S. interests and prevent other nations from exploiting America’s resources.
Vice President Harris has reiterated her commitment to supporting Ukraine and aligns closely with Biden on maintaining strong ties with Israel. She has, however, placed a particular emphasis on addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, advocating for measures that relieve the suffering of Palestinian civilians.
As the U.S. election nears, the international community is watching closely. The outcome could have profound implications for the future of Ukraine, NATO, and the broader global order.
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