US Biden to Visit Europe Next Week... Meeting with Zelensky Unconfirmed

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] U.S. President Joe Biden will visit Europe next week. He is scheduled to meet face-to-face with European leaders to discuss additional sanctions against Russia and support measures for Ukraine.

The White House announced on the 15th (local time) that President Biden will attend the NATO summit and the European Union (EU) summit, both scheduled to be held in Brussels, Belgium, on the 24th.

The White House explained, "President Biden will attend the NATO summit to discuss ongoing deterrence and defense efforts with allied leaders in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine," adding, "At the EU summit, discussions will focus on sanctions against Russia and humanitarian aid plans for Ukraine."

This will be President Biden's third visit to Europe since taking office and his first since Russia invaded Ukraine. It is expected to demonstrate the United States' firm commitment to defending NATO allies and to unify Western efforts such as sanctions against Russia.

It has not yet been decided whether President Biden will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during this visit. Regarding this, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, "It is not yet under discussion," but added, "We are still reviewing the details of the visit schedule." She stated, "President Biden will meet directly with European leaders to discuss and assess the current situation."

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, after announcing the convening of the special NATO summit, emphasized the unity of North America and Europe, saying, "We will address Russia's invasion, strong support for Ukraine, and further strengthening of NATO's deterrence and defense."

On the same day, Press Secretary Psaki dismissed concerns related to Russia imposing sanctions on Biden and 12 other senior U.S. officials, saying, "None of us (sanctioned individuals) are planning to travel to Russia. No one holds accounts in Russian banks."

Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced personal sanctions banning entry for 13 individuals, including President Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, CIA Director William Burns, and Press Secretary Psaki.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.