Biden-Scholz Summit: "Continue Supporting Ukraine as Needed"

U.S. President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced on the 3rd (local time) that they will continue support for Ukraine, which has been invaded by Russia, and maintain pressure on Russia.

President Biden and Chancellor Scholz confirmed this stance during a summit held at the White House in Washington DC earlier that day.

U.S. President Joe Biden (right) and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz are meeting and talking at the White House in Washington DC on the 3rd (local time). / Photo by Yonhap News

According to the White House, the two leaders discussed ongoing efforts to provide security, economic, political, and humanitarian support to Ukraine in relation to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. They also exchanged views on the importance of maintaining solidarity with the Ukrainian people and the international community. The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to imposing costs on Russia.

In his opening remarks at the meeting, President Biden said, "We have closely cooperated to provide critical security assistance to Ukraine, ranging from ammunition to artillery, armored vehicles, and air defense systems," and added, "We have helped meet Ukraine’s basic needs such as food, healthcare, and heating, and continue to apply pressure on Putin," according to the White House press pool.

He went on to emphasize that Russian President Vladimir Putin expected the West to be divided after invading Ukraine, but "NATO allies, we are making the alliance stronger and more capable."

He particularly praised, "Germany has stepped up to provide significant military support, which has had a profound impact on Ukraine’s morale."

Chancellor Scholz stated, "Because peace is threatened by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, this year is very important," and added, "At this point, we believe it is important to send the message that we will support Ukraine for as long as it takes."

Both Russia and Ukraine are expected to launch full-scale offensives this spring. The U.S. and Germany recently decided to provide Ukraine with their main battle tanks, the Abrams M1 and Leopard 2, respectively. It is reported that Germany requested U.S. support as a condition for providing its own main battle tanks, leading President Biden to decide on supplying the Abrams M1.

The two countries also likely discussed the possibility of China supporting Russia and the subsequent response measures. Both the U.S. and the European Union (EU) have warned China, suspecting that China might supply lethal weapons.

Additionally, issues such as discrimination against foreign-made electric vehicles in the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) subsidies were also likely raised.

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