President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke by phone on Jan. 5, 2023, about Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. They reiterated their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence. They reiterated their unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in the face of Russian aggression.
President Biden and Chancellor Scholz expressed their shared determination to provide necessary financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine for as long as needed. To this end, the United States intends to supply Ukraine with Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, and Germany intends to supply Ukraine with Marder infantry fighting vehicles. Both countries plan to train Ukrainian armed forces on the respective systems.
In light of Russia’s ongoing missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, President Biden and Chancellor Scholz reiterated their intention to continue supporting Ukraine’s urgent need for air defense capabilities. In late December, the United States announced the donation of a Patriot anti-aircraft missile battery to Ukraine. Germany, together with the United States, will deliver an additional Patriot air defense battery to Ukraine.
President Biden and Chancellor Scholz expressed their appreciation for other allies and partners’ military support to Ukraine, endorsed the ongoing coordination efforts of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, and welcomed additional donations of air defense systems and combat vehicles.
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