US President Joe Biden will visit Berlin on Thursday for high-level talks with the leaders of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom to discuss Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine. With Kyiv pleading for immediate assistance from its Western friends, Biden’s summit will seek to discuss diplomatic steps to end the conflict, which has lasted two and a half years.
The meetings will also address the fast-rising situation in the Middle East, where efforts to curb destruction have stalled.
Biden’s journey comes after Hurricane Milton forced him to postpone his planned three-day state visit to Germany last week. He’s now making up for it with a shorter, more focused visit. After landing in Berlin late Thursday, Biden will meet with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday before attending a larger European gathering in the afternoon.
This journey followed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s diplomatic tour of Western countries, during which he unveiled his “victory plan” for bringing Russia to the bargaining table. The war in Ukraine, its future course, and continued support for Ukraine’s sovereignty will dominate conversations.
Growing concerns for a larger battle in the Middle East, notably between Israel and Iran, will also be an important focus.
