Biden, Germany’s Scholz close ranks on military aid to Ukraine
Washington, Mar 3 (EFE).- United States President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz presented a united front here Friday regarding military assistance to Ukraine and maintaining pressure on Moscow a week after the first anniversary of the Russian invasion.
The meeting between the leaders of the two main suppliers of aid to Ukraine was their first encounter at the White House since before the war began on Feb. 24, 2022.
“Together, we worked lockstep to supply critical security assistance to Ukraine. And – from everything from – we’ve done it in lockstep – ammunition, artillery, armored tanks, air defense systems. And we’ve been together throughout this,” Biden told Scholz in the Oval Office.
“You helped Ukraine meet its basic needs, like food, health, heating. And you continue to give them – put – maintain the pressure on (Russian President Vladimir) Putin. And it is undercutting his ability to fight this war,” the US president said.
He praised Scholz for “strong and steady leadership.”
“You’ve stepped up to provide critical military support. And, you know, I would argue that, beyond your military support, the moral support you gave to the Ukrainians has been profound. It’s been profound,” Biden told his guest.
“I really appreciate to be back at the White House,” Scholz said. “And let me just say this is a very, very important year because of the very dangerous threat to peace that comes from Russia invading Ukraine.”
The chancellor stressed the need for sustained support to Ukraine.
“I think it is very important that we give the message that we will continue to do so as long as it takes and as long as it is necessary, and that we are ready, also, for staying with the Ukrainians as it – as long as it is necessary,” Scholz said.
Earlier Friday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced $400 million in additional US military aid for Ukraine, bringing the total amount of Washington’s assistance to Kyiv to roughly $30 billion. EFE
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