President Joe Biden is making a swift trip to Berlin on Friday to meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, emphasizing the importance of personal diplomacy as his administration approaches its final weeks.
During his visit, Biden is set to convene with leaders from the “European Quad,” which includes Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre highlighted Biden’s close rapport with Scholz, who played a pivotal role in facilitating a recent prisoner exchange that saw the return of journalist Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan to the U.S.
“We have collaborated closely to bolster our economies and provide vital support to Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression,” Jean-Pierre noted during a Wednesday briefing. She added that the president was eager to personally thank Scholz for his contributions.
Biden’s visit, which begins Thursday, is strategically significant amid rising tensions over Ukraine. The U.S. and Germany have been the primary supporters of Ukraine as it battles against a Russian invasion. With the U.S. presidential election just weeks away, Biden is also keen to prepare allies for a potential return of Donald Trump, who has been critical of NATO and has expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
While no meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is planned during this trip, Biden spoke with him on Wednesday about additional military support, announcing a new package worth $425 million, which brings total U.S. aid to Ukraine to over $64 billion in the last two and a half years.
Biden and Scholz will also address various topics, including relations with the European Union, democratic values, trade and technology, global supply chains, and security issues in the Indo-Pacific region. Additionally, Biden is scheduled to meet with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier during his time in Germany.
