Biden urges continued Western support for Ukraine as US election nears

Biden made his remarks during a one-day visit to Berlin, where he held closed-door talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

By: Express Web Desk

October 19, 2024 02:47 AM IST

3 min read

Biden announced the three-year U.S. pledge during a closed session of the Group of 20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, the official told reporters, adding that the U.S. Treasury was leading negotiations at the World Bank for the IDA replenishment. (AP photo)

US President Joe Biden on Friday urged Western nations to maintain their support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s ongoing invasion, highlighting the challenging winter ahead for Kyiv. His appeal comes at a crucial time, as the upcoming US presidential election raises concerns over the future of Washington’s commitment to Ukraine.

Biden made his remarks during a one-day visit to Berlin, where he held closed-door talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The discussions focused on military aid for Ukraine and efforts to bolster its civilian energy infrastructure by unlocking frozen Russian assets.

“As Ukraine faces a tough winter, we must sustain our resolve,” Biden said, acknowledging the heavy cost but warning that the price of allowing unchecked aggression would be far greater. “Large states attacking and bullying smaller ones simply because they can” must be resisted, he stressed.

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The timing of Biden’s visit is significant, as it comes just weeks before the US presidential election. His Republican challenger, former President Donald Trump, has indicated he would be more cautious in extending further support to Ukraine, potentially depriving Kyiv of its most significant military and financial backer.

Trump has also hinted that US aid to NATO allies could come with conditions, raising concerns about the future of transatlantic relations.

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Earlier on Friday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier praised Biden for restoring the transatlantic alliance after strained relations under Trump’s first presidency. He awarded Biden Germany’s highest order of merit, acknowledging his role in rekindling trust between Europe and the US.

“When you were elected president, you restored Europe’s hope in the transatlantic alliance literally overnight,” Steinmeier said, calling NATO indispensable for both continents.

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Biden also joined British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss ways to expedite support for Ukraine. Starmer reiterated the importance of standing by Ukraine as it faces a difficult winter. The leaders additionally discussed the Middle East conflict, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and humanitarian access to the Palestinian enclave.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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