U.S. President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met at the White House. The leaders discussed a number of issues, including the threat of Russian invasion of Ukraine. This is stated on the website of the White House, informs UNN.
The important and first issue of the talks was the unity of the countries in curbing Russian aggression against Ukraine. Biden insisted that the best way out of the situation is diplomacy.
"We are ready to negotiate. Germany continues dialogue through the Normandy format, but if Russia chooses to further invade Ukraine - both we and NATO are ready for that," he said.
The U.S. president also recalled that a package of sanctions and "quick measures" in case of Russian aggression has been developed and said that China "next to Russia and other competitors are trying to create not a liberal future."
"We will work together with Germany to ensure that new technologies serve freedom, not repression and authoritarianism," he stressed.
Scholz responded by saying that Germany and its allies will not be silent when they see Russia's aggression against Ukraine increasing.
"We see that the number of military personnel on the border with Ukraine is increasing. This is a serious threat to European security and it is important that we act together and do whatever is necessary to respond," he said.
The German chancellor recalled that Russia would pay a high price in the case of aggression.
"Already even Russia has 'understood this message,'" Scholz said.
Biden also clarified that certification of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline will not take place if Russia attacks Ukraine.
"If Russia invades, we're talking tanks or troops, if it crosses the Ukrainian border again, then there will be no Nord Stream 2. That would be the end," he said.
Asked by a journalist how the U.S. would do this, since Germany is responsible for certification, he replied, "I promise you, it will be done," and Scholz confirmed, "We will be united."
Also at the press conference, Olaf Scholz said that a military threat to Ukraine exists and it is a serious threat to the security of all of Europe. At the same time, Joseph Biden reminded that it would be wise for Americans to leave Ukraine.
The leaders discussed sanctions being worked out against Russia in case the crisis in Ukraine escalates. "The sanctions will be tough and universal," Scholz said;
Joe Biden also said he was ready to continue talks with Moscow, and the U.S. considers Germany "an absolutely reliable partner" and Berlin has never lost the trust of the United States.
At the press conference, the two leaders noted that the U.S. and Germany are working together on the challenges posed by China and on stability in the Western Balkans.
