On his farewell visit to Germany, just weeks ahead of the U.S. elections, President Joe Biden called on NATO allies to continue backing Ukraine in its ongoing war against Russia. As Ukraine faces a third winter of conflict and battlefield losses in the east, concerns are mounting among Kyiv and its allies about a potential reduction in U.S. support if Donald Trump were to return to the White House.
Biden emphasized the need for sustained Western support, stating, “We must sustain our support until Ukraine wins a just and sustainable peace. We’re headed into a very difficult winter. We cannot let up.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently presented his “victory plan” to both NATO and the European Union, though his request for immediate NATO membership was declined. Furthermore, Washington and London have rejected Ukraine’s request for permission to use donated long-range weapons against targets inside Russia, while Germany has refused to provide its long-range Taurus missile system.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, reiterating Germany’s support, said, “We are supporting Ukraine as powerfully as we can, and at the same time ensuring that NATO does not become a direct party to the war.”
The United States has been Ukraine’s largest supplier of military aid since Russia’s invasion began in 2022, with Germany being the second-largest. However, international concerns grew after reports surfaced about North Korea potentially providing military support to Russia, with both France and the UK expressing alarm.
Meanwhile, the situation in the Middle East also featured prominently in discussions. Biden voiced hope for renewed momentum toward a ceasefire in Gaza after Israeli forces killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, describing the event as a “moment of justice.”
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier awarded Biden Germany’s highest honor for his dedication to strengthening bilateral and transatlantic ties. Steinmeier praised Biden as “a beacon of democracy,” thanking him for his steadfast support of NATO and Ukraine during a critical time for Europe.
Biden’s trip, initially scheduled as a longer state visit, was shortened to one day due to his coordination of the U.S. response to Hurricane Milton. Despite the condensed schedule, the visit marked an important moment for Biden as he continues to rally international support for Ukraine ahead of the upcoming U.S. election.
