Biden, Scholz discuss assistance to Ukraine, costs on Russia in White House meeting

By Rabia Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met Friday at the White House and discussed assistance to Ukraine and reiterated their commitment to impose costs on Russia, according to a statement.

"President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. welcomed Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany to the White House today to reaffirm the strong bilateral relationship between the United States and Germany," said the White House.

"At the one-year mark of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, the leaders discussed ongoing efforts to provide security, humanitarian, economic, and political assistance to Ukraine and the importance of maintaining global solidarity with the people of Ukraine," it said. "They reiterated their commitment to impose costs on Russia for its aggression for as long as necessary. The leaders also exchanged perspectives on other global issues.”

Biden hosted Scholz for closed-door talks as the NATO allies seek to maintain unity on a host of global challenges, particularly Ukraine.

In brief remarks before reporters, Biden thanked Scholz for “historic changes at home," noting increased defense spending following Russia's war against Ukraine as well as efforts to move from Russian energy supplies.

Scholz said it was "very important that we acted together" to respond to Russia's war, now in its second year. "We made it feasible that we can give the necessary support to Ukraine."

The visit is Scholz's second since Biden took office and Washington and Berlin described the trip as a "working visit in difficult times."