Europe is in a vulnerable position as Biden’s time runs outOn Friday, US President Joe Biden made a notably short state visit to Germany.
The US president maximized his time in Berlin, emphasizing his enduring ambitions on the global stage in the weeks before his departure from office in January. He focused particularly on the Middle East and Ukraine.
European defence has emerged as a fundamental element of Biden’s foreign policy, highlighting a significant departure from the approach taken by his predecessor, Donald Trump, who is now positioning himself for a run in the 2024 presidential election.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has honoured President Biden with the nation’s highest accolade, the special class of the Grand Cross, in acknowledgement of his contributions.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, following Russia’s full-scale invasion, marks the most severe war the continent has faced since World War Two.
In a scenario reminiscent of events from 80 years prior, Europe once again turns to the United States, seeking coordinated leadership and military assistance.
Biden emphasized that additional efforts are essential, stating, “We must keep going until Ukraine wins a just and durable peace…” We must continue to provide our support.
The outcome of the November US election will have significant implications.
European nations have depended on military assistance from the United States to support Ukraine. Berlin ranks as the second largest donor, following Washington; however, the scale of its contributions is notably smaller in comparison to its ally across the Atlantic.
The era of American generosity is anticipated to conclude with Biden’s departure from the White House.
Should Democratic candidate Kamala Harris ascend to the presidency, analysts suggest that Congress may shift its focus to other pressing foreign policy issues, particularly concerning China and Taiwan.
Relations with NATO, the transatlantic military alliance established after World War II, were marked by notable turbulence during Trump’s administration from 2016 to 2020.
He has gained a reputation for his admiration of “strongman” Russian President Vladimir Putin, yet he has remained silent on whether he supports Kyiv’s victory in the ongoing conflict.
Amid ongoing discussions within NATO regarding the need to “Trump-proof” European defence ahead of the upcoming US election, evidence suggests that substantial progress has yet to be made. Furthermore, there are doubts about Europe’s capacity to manage its defence independently in the event of a crisis.
In the wake of Russia’s extensive invasion in 2022, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz declared a “Zeitenwende,” signalling a pivotal moment in history. This commitment marks Germany’s intention to transcend the legacy of its Nazi past and significantly bolster its military capabilities, ensuring a robust contribution to the collective defence of its allies.
This week, German intelligence officials issued a stark warning regarding Russia’s ongoing military investments, suggesting that the nation could be poised to launch an attack on NATO by the end of the decade.
Germany’s ambitious military overhaul is currently mired in bureaucratic challenges.
The government has yet to reach an agreement on a future defence budget.
Diplomats indicate that President Biden is concerned about the commitment of European allies as indications of growing “Ukraine fatigue” emerge amid the domestic challenges faced by these nations.
Chancellor Scholz faces significant domestic pressure from both the far right and far left, groups that resonate with the Russian narrative, as the nation approaches a general election next year.
On Friday, Scholz and Biden convened in Berlin with key allies in support of Ukraine, including representatives from the UK and France.
The four major NATO powers, collectively referred to as the “Quad,” engaged in discussions regarding Iran and the broader Middle East region. The joint press statement emphasized a commitment to persist in backing Kyiv amid ongoing challenges in Ukraine.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that Russia is becoming increasingly weaker, noting that the ongoing war is consuming 40% of Moscow’s budget.
The leaders engaged in discussions regarding “what further capability, what further equipment and what further resources” could be provided to assist Ukraine. However, he refrained from giving specific details.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has outlined specific requests in his proposed “victory plan.” Details such as a formal invitation to join NATO and unrestricted use of long-range missiles provided by the UK and France are under discussion. A request that has yet to receive approval.
Critics of Joe Biden and his NATO allies have accused them of consistently delaying action due to concerns over escalating tensions with Russia.
Kyiv and Moscow are expected to pay close attention to President Biden’s upcoming “farewell trip” to Berlin this Friday.
Despite the repeated assurances from four NATO powers regarding their ongoing support for Ukraine, observers cannot overlook the context: a US president nearing the end of his term, a German chancellor facing potential electoral defeat, and a French president grappling with significant domestic challenges.
Ukraine urgently needs additional support from its primary allies, and the call for assistance grows increasingly pressing. Along its front lines, the nation finds itself on the defensive against Russia, marking a notably precarious period in its history. The remainder of Europe is also included in this context.
