Anadolu staff
18 October 2024•Update: 18 October 2024
BERLIN
US President Joe Biden on Friday arrived in Berlin for talks with German leaders on Western support for Ukraine and the volatile situation in the Middle East.
Biden is scheduled to meet with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and their talks are expected to focus on enhancing transatlantic ties and sustaining military aid for Ukraine.
Germany is currently Ukraine’s second-largest donor after the US, and it has provided advanced weapons such as Leopard 2 battle tanks, Patriot missiles, and IRIS-T air defense systems.
Biden’s visit comes at a time of growing doubts about the future of Western assistance for Ukraine, due to the US elections – less than three weeks away – and the possibility of a second term for former President Donald Trump.
Trump and his Republican Party have been far less supportive of helping Ukraine fight off Russia’s war, with some members of the party urging that aid be cut off completely.
Following his talks with German leaders, Biden is also scheduled to hold a “Quad" meeting with Chancellor Scholz, French President President Emmanuel Macron, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
"President Biden looks forward to having a conversation with other leaders about the critical issues of the day, which obviously include Russia’s war against Ukraine, the situation there; also the situation in the Middle East, finding a sustainable diplomatic solution concerning the conflict now between Israel and Lebanon; the situation in Gaza, of course; the risk of escalation with Iran," a White House official told reporters ahead of the visit.
Biden's farewell visit to Berlin, as his term in office is ending in January, was originally planned for a week ago, but was postponed due to Hurricane Milton, which threatened mass destruction in the state of Florida.
Berlin police were placed on high alert during Biden’s visit, and around 2,500 police officers were deployed to beef up security and secure Biden's route from Brandenburg Airport to the city center.
Streets around major government buildings were closed, and snipers were positioned on top of buildings. Local authorities have warned residents to expect significant traffic disruptions on Friday.
