US President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of sustained NATO support for Ukraine during his farewell visit to Germany, just weeks ahead of the upcoming US elections. As Ukraine confronts its third winter of war and experiences significant battlefield losses in the east, concerns loom over the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House, which could result in diminished US military aid.
In remarks made during his one-day visit, Biden stressed the necessity of Western allies to “sustain our support… until Ukraine wins a just and sustainable peace.” He warned that the upcoming winter would be particularly challenging for Ukraine and urged allies not to relent in their assistance.
Adding to Ukraine’s challenges, North Korea has reportedly initiated a “large-scale” troop deployment to support Russia’s war efforts, according to South Korea’s intelligence agency. It stated that around 1,500 North Korean special forces are currently in eastern Russia for training.
During his visit, Biden met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who expressed his commitment to supporting Ukraine while ensuring that NATO does not become a direct participant in the conflict. “We are supporting Ukraine as powerfully as we can,” Scholz said, emphasizing the need to avoid escalating the war into a broader catastrophe.
Following Biden’s meeting with Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined for four-way talks. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented his “victory plan” to EU and NATO leaders, but his request for immediate NATO membership has yet to receive agreement from allies. Both Washington and London have also turned down Ukraine’s appeals for permission to use donated long-range weapons against Russian targets.
Biden’s visit included a ceremonial welcome from German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who awarded him Germany’s highest honor for his commitment to strengthening bilateral and transatlantic ties. Steinmeier described Biden as “a beacon of democracy” and commended his steadfast support for NATO and Ukraine during this critical period.
As the US election campaign intensifies, Biden’s visit also carries political implications. With the election set for November 5, allies are apprehensive about a potential Trump victory, as the former president has criticized NATO allies and opposed the current level of US military support for Ukraine. Additionally, Trump has indicated he would likely adopt a softer stance toward Israel amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.
Biden was initially scheduled for a four-day state visit last week, including a significant Ukraine defense meeting with Zelensky, but canceled to manage Hurricane Milton’s response. Despite this, he prioritized the shorter trip to Germany, which included meeting with 102-year-old Holocaust survivor Margot Friedlaender. An emotional Biden expressed his honor at meeting her, acknowledging Germany’s efforts to combat rising anti-Semitism and extremism.
