WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden hosted German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the White House on Friday at a critical time for a bilateral meeting as US congressional aid dwindled. Battle of Ukrainees Russia and the like Israel continueses military attack against Hamas the Gaza strip.
Before beginning their private meeting in the Oval Office, Biden said the United States and Germany should work together on global issues, especially helping Ukraine. Biden also said they would discuss work ahead of this summer’s NATO summit and events in the Middle East, including talks on the release of hostages still being held in Gaza.
Biden also said it would be “criminal” and “extraordinary” if Congress fails to provide funding for aid to Ukraine.
Speaking briefly, Scholz referred to a “ridiculous interview” Russian President Vladimir Putin gave to former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. The German chancellor reiterated the importance of supporting Ukraine and expressed hope that the Congress would approve more aid.
In a statement after the meeting, the White House said the leaders “reaffirmed their strong support for Ukraine” and discussed both the Israel-Hamas war and the upcoming NATO summit.
“The leaders discussed efforts to prevent regional escalation in the Middle East and reaffirmed their commitment to Israel’s right to self-defense under international law,” the statement said. “They also stressed the importance of protecting civilians in Gaza and increasing the delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid.”
Scholz wrote before the meeting In an article published Thursday in The Wall Street Journal “Russia’s victory in Ukraine will not only be the end of Ukraine as a free, democratic and independent state, but will also fundamentally change the face of Europe.”
“This will deal a serious blow to the liberal world order,” he wrote. “Our message is clear: We must do everything we can to prevent Russia from winning. If we don’t, we will soon wake up in a world that is more unstable, threatening and unpredictable than it was during the Cold War.”
In Friday’s meeting, Scholz “underscored the importance of continued U.S. support for Ukraine,” the White House read.
Biden has been urging Congress for months to pass new aid to Ukraine, as well as Israel and Taiwan.
Thursday, Senate voted in advance legislation would provide financial aid to the three countries, but it is unclear whether there will be enough support to pass the Senate or final passage in the House of Representatives.
Tara Prindiville and Megan Lebowitz contributed.