The German chancellor wants to reassure the Americans. Olaf Scholz said on Sunday February 6 that Germany was ready to send additional troops to the Baltic countries, before a trip to Washington to meet Joe Biden on Monday February 7. The chancellor will seek to strengthen his influence in the Ukrainian crisis.
According to his official agenda, the Chancellor will discuss with the American president the Ukrainian situation, but also the German presidency of the G7, the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and international trade. But in fact, the German partner must above all reassure America. Olaf Scholz will have to provide some explanations to Joe Biden at a time when Germany’s attitude is perceived as too weak in the face of its Russian neighbor, underlines our correspondent in Berlin from Leo Bräuer-Potier.
The visit comes amid growing fears that Russia is preparing to invade Ukraine. The West accuses President Vladimir Putin of massing more than 100,000 troops on the border between the two countries. Russia denies plans to invade the country, but has demanded major security guarantees from the West, including that Ukraine never be allowed to join NATO.
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“Troops are available for reinforcement”
Before flying to Washington, the Chancellor repeated on the first national television channel that European countries ” stood united in the face of the threat “. And even if Germany persists in its refusal to deliver arms to the Ukrainians, Olaf Scholz has again warned Russia of ” harsh consequences in case of new violations of Ukrainian territory.
To give himself more credibility, the German Chancellor made a promise in an interview with the ARD channel, quoted by AFP: ” We are ready to do whatever is necessary to strengthen » the presence of Germany in NATO operations in the Baltic countries.
Germany is leading an Atlanticist Organization operation in Lithuania, where 500 German soldiers are deployed. Asked whether the sending of reinforcements could be decided at a meeting of NATO defense ministers in mid-February, the Chancellor replied: “ We are ready to make a decision. »
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Weak link
Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht previously said that Germany was ready to strengthen its presence in Lithuania: In principle, troops are available for reinforcement, and we are now in talks with Lithuania about what would be useful. The Chancellor is due to receive the leaders of the Baltic States in Berlin this week.
Olaf Scholz wants at all costs to make it understood that Germany is not the weak link in the united front presented by Europe and the United States against Russia. A position that he will have the opportunity to repeat to Joe Biden as to Vladimir Putin. After the United States, the Chancellor must also go to Moscow next week.
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