President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emerged from a gathering on Monday vowing that their international locations are united in making Russia pay a ‘excessive worth’ if it invades Ukraine, together with the ‘finish’ of the Nord Stream 2 gasoline pipeline.
Biden and Scholz, whom the president invited to the Oval Workplace, sought to erase doubt that Germany was reluctant to confront Russia, and conveyed they'd work in lockstep to discourage an invasion of Ukraine.
‘If Russia makes a option to additional invade Ukraine, we're collectively prepared and all of Nato is prepared,’ Biden stated. He added that Russia will face ‘swift and extreme penalties’ if it strikes ahead with invasion.
‘There’s no challenge of world significance the place Germany and the US should not working collectively,’ Biden stated, whereas noting that the US seeks a diplomatic resolution.
Talking in German after Biden, Scholz stated ‘there can be a really excessive worth for Russia’ and that they despatched a transparent message in order that ‘even Russia understands now’.
Answering reporters’ questions, Biden stated, ‘we'll impose essentially the most extreme financial sanctions which have ever been imposed’.
When a reporter requested if Scholz pledged to halt Nord Stream 2 if Russian President Vladimir Putin invades Ukraine, the chancellor didn't give specifics.
However Biden stated that if there are Russian ‘tanks or troops crossing the border’, then ‘there can be not a Nord Stream 2, we'll deliver an finish to it’.
Scholz stated: ‘Now we have intensively put together every thing to be prepared with the mandatory sanction if there's a navy aggression towards Ukraine.’
Biden welcomed Scholz to the White Home as Putin has despatched to the border 70% of the navy personnel and weapons he must invade Ukraine. The bilateral assembly was broadly seen as a doable take a look at of Germany’s willingness to face with the US in confronting Russia, as Germany had appeared most reluctant amongst America’s allies.
Earlier than the assembly, US officers informed CNN that Biden and Scholz would spend the majority of their assembly discussing the Ukraine challenge, together with making ready a ‘strong sanctions bundle’ to punish Russia if it strikes ahead with an invasion.
‘We’ve bought loads to speak about,’ stated Biden, mentioning the coronavirus pandemic, China and local weather change.
Scholz stated it was an ‘an vital assembly at an vital time’ and that the 2 international locations are working ‘intensely’ towards Russia invading Ukraine.
Germany has despatched hundreds of helmets as an alternative of weapons and refused to let Nato ally Estonia present German-produced howitzers to Ukraine.
Requested about Germany’s obvious softer response to Russia, White Home Press Secretary Jen Psaki on Monday stated that Biden has famous that totally different international locations make totally different contributions.
‘At present is a chance for the president to construct on the connection with the chancellor, to proceed to construct on the lengthy and abiding relationship with the Germans,’ Psaki stated. ‘And we're united in our view of the actions, the potential actions of Russian leaders and united in our efforts to carry them accountable.’
Scholz took workplace in December, succeeding Angela Merkel.
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