Biden: US and Germany working in ‘lockstep’ on Ukraine issue

In a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the White House on Monday, US President Joe Biden stated that the US and Germany are working in “lockstep” to discourage Russian “aggression” in Europe.

Scholz met with Biden in person for the first time on February 7 since taking office in Germany late last year, amid rising tensions in eastern Europe.

“We’re the closest allies and we’re working very closely together,” Scholz said to reporters. “And this is vital for us to take the initiatives we need to do, such as repelling Russian aggression towards Ukraine.” As a result, it’s a crucial meeting at a crucial time.”

The discussion took place just hours after the US and the European Union voiced “solid support for a robust and resilient Ukraine” at a US-EU Energy Council meeting.

Europe is heavily reliant on Russian energy exports, and weeks of simmering tensions along the Russia-Ukraine border have fueled fears that Moscow could cut European countries off from vital supplies.

“The US-EU Energy Council works to enhance energy security and encourage energy diversification, mindful of the fast changing energy landscape and the continuing vulnerabilities to energy security, particularly cybersecurity of energy infrastructure,” the US and EU said in a joint statement.

The Russian military has been massing soldiers near the country’s border with Ukraine, causing a diplomatic crisis and raising fears in the United States and Europe that Russia is planning an invasion of its neighbour.

Russia has denied preparing an invasion of Ukraine, although it has vehemently opposed the country’s attempts to join NATO.

Moscow also wants security guarantees from the US-led alliance that it will halt expanding into former Soviet countries, but Washington and NATO have dismissed the proposal as a “non-starter,” while stating they are open to discussing European arms limitation measures.

Germany has taken a softer stance toward Russia than other of its western friends, refusing to give weaponry to the Ukrainian army, a move that has been chastised by Kiev.

On Monday, however, Scholz and Biden appeared to be on the same page.

“To state the obvious, Germany is one of America’s closest allies – working hand in hand to discourage Russian aggression in Europe, confront China’s concerns, and maintain stability in the western Balkans,” Trump added.

Biden also referred to Germany as a “leader in advocating de-escalation of tensions and fostering discussion” with Russia during a press conference following the meeting. “Germany and the United States, in collaboration with our allies and partners, are pursuing diplomatic solutions in this issue.” And diplomacy is the best course of action for all parties,” he concluded.