With German Chancellor Olaf Scholz set to visit the White House amid growing criticism of its approach to the Russia-Ukraine tensions, Biden administration spokeswoman Jen Psaki defended the NATO ally.
Germany vetoed a request from Estonia to send artillery rounds to Ukraine last week, with German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht saying, “Weapons deliveries would not be helpful at the moment.” The move and others undercut unity between the United States and Europeans, according to critics, but Psaki said there’s more than one successful approach to diplomacy.
GERMAN CHANCELLOR TO VISIT WHITE HOUSE AMID NATO TENSIONS
“Our view is that unity does not mean identical,” she said Thursday. “There are a range of capacities, capabilities, legal authorities that different countries have.”
What is most important is being united against the bellicose rhetoric, the buildup of troops, and the potential of Russia invading a sovereign country in Ukraine, Psaki added.
Germany’s decision to block Estonia’s weapons aid coincided with an unguarded statement by Germany’s top naval officer, who resigned last weekend amid a backlash against his comment that Russian President Vladimir Putin is threatening Ukraine out of a desire for “respect” from Europe.
Germany’s recent actions have led to complaints it is not a reliable ally.
But that’s not the case, according to the White House.
“We have found Germany to be very much united with us in that effort, as we have found with other European countries,” said Psaki.
Another factor is that the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which is supposed to travel from Russia to Germany, is threatened by the situation and would represent a large economic blow to both nations if it isn’t completed.
Scholz will visit the White House on Feb. 7 to meet with President Joe Biden, the first visit from a German chancellor following the 16-year run of Angela Merkel, as the two sides discuss how to move forward.
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“There are a range of capabilities and capacities different countries are going to be providing,” Psaki said. “Germany has provided a range. Other countries have provided a range. What’s most important is looking at the totality of how we’re all working to help support Ukraine.”
