Biden Meets UK, France, Germany Leaders, Says "Must Continue Supporting Ukraine"

U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized the need to support Ukraine, which is at war with Russia, during a meeting with the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany in Berlin, Germany, on the 18th (local time).

On the same day, President Biden stated in his opening remarks at a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, "The United States and Germany are the strongest supporters of Ukraine's struggle for a free and independent nation," adding, "As Ukraine faces a harsh winter, we must maintain our resolute will, commitment, and support."

He continued, "We understand the costs are not insignificant. But keep in mind," he said, "compared to the cost of living in a world where large countries attack and bully smaller countries simply because they can, this is nothing."

However, according to major foreign media, after the meeting, he said on his way out that there is "no agreement at this time" regarding lifting restrictions on Ukraine's use of long-range weapons.

Ukraine has requested permission to use Western-supplied weapons to attack Russian territory, but Western supporters, including the United States, have not agreed.

President Biden held talks with Chancellor Scholz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss current issues such as the situation in the Middle East, including the Gaza Strip, and the war in Ukraine.

At the meeting, they agreed that the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar should be a turning point to return Israeli hostages to their countries and end the war in the Gaza Strip.

They also discussed the return of hostages held by Hamas and support measures for civilians in the Gaza Strip, agreeing on the need for a diplomatic solution for the return of civilians in the border area between Lebanon and Israel.

The four leaders also condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and discussed ways to provide additional support to Ukraine by utilizing frozen Russian assets, as agreed at the Group of Seven (G7) summit.

The meeting was President Biden's first and last visit to Germany during his term, strongly reaffirming the transatlantic alliance between the United States and Europe. President Biden is set to leave office in January next year.