United States President Joe Biden arrived in Germany on Thursday, a week later than originally planned, due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton in the United States. The delay, however, did little to diminish the importance of his trip. Over the next two days in Berlin, Biden is expected to engage in high-stakes talks with European leaders in a summit of the European Quad, comprising Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. The focus of the summit will be on bolstering Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion and addressing the rapidly escalating conflicts in the Middle East.
“Germany has been an incredibly close ally and partner over the past few decades, and has risen to the moment in the last three plus years of this administration,” a senior administration official told reporters during a Wednesday evening call, previewing Biden’s visit. Germany, the official noted, has been instrumental in supporting Ukraine, both militarily and politically, in its war against Russian aggression.
However, as Biden landed in Berlin, there were growing murmurs of discontent from both Ukraine and some of its most ardent supporters. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in particular, has been critical of what he perceives as hesitation on the part of the Biden administration and other Western governments to fully commit to the military and political backing necessary for Ukraine’s “victory plan.”
Germany, the second-largest donor of military assistance to Ukraine after the United States, has played a pivotal role in arming Kyiv. In February of this year, the German government announced a significant increase in its defense budget, committing to spend two percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defense in line with NATO targets set at the 2014 Wales summit.
Despite this commitment, Germany, like the U.S., faces criticism from Ukrainian officials and pro-Ukraine factions for perceived caution in their approach. Zelensky, while grateful for the support received thus far, has been vocal about the need for more robust backing — particularly in terms of advanced weaponry and the political capital required to push for Ukraine’s integration into NATO. Both Berlin and Washington have been slow to meet these demands, citing concerns over escalating the conflict further and maintaining broader geopolitical stability.
This balancing act is evident in Germany’s hesitancy to provide certain advanced weaponry to Ukraine, such as long-range missiles capable of striking deep within Russian territory. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who has been steadfast in supporting Ukraine, has nonetheless faced domestic and international pressure over his measured approach. Critics argue that this cautiousness risks emboldening Russia and prolonging the war, while supporters suggest that it reflects a necessary prudence in managing a complex and volatile situation.
The postponement of Biden’s travel to Germany due to Hurricane Milton also led to the delay of a leader-level meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a key consortium of more than 50 nations that coordinates military aid to Kyiv. The delay came at a critical time for Ukraine, with President Zelensky keen to push his international partners to expedite the delivery of advanced military systems that are crucial for executing his “victory plan” — a strategy aimed at reclaiming Ukrainian territory and dealing a decisive blow to Russian forces.
In anticipation of the summit and as a signal of continued support, Biden announced a new $425 million military aid package for Ukraine on Wednesday. The package includes critical supplies such as ammunition, air defense systems, and other military hardware. However, the aid package fell short of some of Zelensky’s key demands, including the provision of advanced fighter jets and long-range missiles, as well as a clear path for Ukraine’s membership in NATO.
The issue of Ukraine’s NATO membership is particularly contentious. While Zelensky has consistently pushed for an invitation to join the alliance, NATO members, including the U.S., have been reluctant to extend such an offer, fearing it could provoke an even more aggressive response from Russia. During his call with reporters, the senior administration official acknowledged that while NATO allies continue to discuss Ukraine’s request, there remains no consensus at this time.
“The urgency of the moment is certainly appreciated, which is why the president is leading this effort to supply Ukraine with the equipment that it needs, and to, frankly, take seriously all of the elements that are being proposed by the Ukrainians, and to work with them on a strategy to secure their victory in this war,” the official said.
Despite the ongoing military aid, the Biden administration faces increasing criticism from those who believe that the U.S. and its allies are not doing enough to ensure Ukraine’s success. Advocates for stronger support argue that delaying critical decisions, such as Ukraine’s NATO membership or the provision of more advanced weapons systems, weakens Ukraine’s position and prolongs the conflict. On the other hand, there are those in both the U.S. and Europe who worry that giving Ukraine a blank check could lead to greater escalation, potentially drawing NATO into direct conflict with Russia.
Domestically, Biden is also walking a fine line. With the 2024 presidential election looming, his administration is under pressure to balance foreign policy commitments with growing concerns at home. The financial cost of continued military support to Ukraine, in the face of inflation and other domestic challenges, has led to questions from both Republicans and Democrats about the sustainability of the U.S.’s involvement.
Internationally, some of Ukraine’s strongest supporters have also expressed frustration with the slow pace of support. Poland, for instance, which shares a border with Ukraine and has been one of Kyiv’s most vocal backers, has criticized both Germany and the U.S. for what it sees as excessive caution. Polish officials argue that more decisive action is needed to deter Russia and help Ukraine achieve a swift and definitive victory.
While Ukraine will dominate much of the discussions in Berlin, the escalating conflicts in the Middle East are also likely to feature prominently in Biden’s meetings with European leaders. In particular, the growing tensions between Israel and Palestinian militant groups, as well as the ongoing civil war in Syria, pose significant challenges to regional stability. The Biden administration has been working with European and Middle Eastern allies to prevent further escalation, but the situation remains highly volatile.
As the conflict in Gaza has intensified, European nations have become more vocal in their calls for a ceasefire and a return to diplomatic negotiations. Germany, which has historically maintained strong ties with Israel, finds itself in a difficult position, as it seeks to balance its support for Israel with growing domestic pressure to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The U.S., as Israel’s most important ally, is also navigating these complexities, with Biden emphasizing the need for Israel to defend itself while also calling for restraint to prevent further civilian casualties.
The broader implications of the Middle East conflicts, including their potential to disrupt global energy markets and exacerbate tensions between regional powers such as Iran and Saudi Arabia, are likely to be a key topic of discussion in Berlin. European leaders are keen to ensure that the situation does not spiral out of control, particularly at a time when the global economy is already facing significant challenges due to the war in Ukraine and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Biden’s visit to Germany comes at a critical juncture for both Ukraine and the broader international order. As the war in Ukraine grinds on, with no clear end in sight, the Biden administration and its European allies face mounting pressure to provide the support necessary to secure a Ukrainian victory while also managing the risks of further escalation. At the same time, the escalating conflicts in the Middle East add another layer of complexity to an already fraught geopolitical landscape.
For Biden, the summit in Berlin represents an opportunity to reinforce the transatlantic alliance and demonstrate that the U.S. remains committed to leading on the global stage. But with critics both at home and abroad questioning the administration’s strategy, Biden will need to strike a delicate balance — providing Ukraine with the resources it needs to defend itself while managing the broader risks of the conflict, and addressing the growing instability in the Middle East. As the world watches closely, the outcomes of this summit could have far-reaching consequences for global security and the future of U.S. foreign policy.
