Scholz ready for more responsibility in NATO if Trump wins
The Chancellor responded to journalists' question about helping Germany to a stronger role in NATO and taking the lead, should Trump return to the White House after the US Presidential elections in November. The background is the disastrous TV duel between US President Joe Biden and Trump.
Scholz made it clear that he had already taken a stronger initiative in NATO. He referred to Biden's announcement and that of other NATO countries to supply additional air defense systems to Ukraine. By providing three Patriot systems, Germany "took a big step in encouraging others and convincing them that it is necessary," he said. "If Germany had not taken the lead, this step would not have been taken now."
He urged NATO partners to provide more air defense systems. "In my opinion, this process is not yet completed," emphasized the Chancellor. Scholz had previously met Zelenskyy bilaterally. This one had demanded seven air defense systems from the allies before the summit - two more than now promised. Among them are four Patriot systems and a comparable one from Italy (SAMP/T).
Germany currently has around a dozen Patriot systems at its disposal. Since the beginning of the Russian offensive war in February 2022, Ukraine has repeatedly asked its allies for the provision of such systems to counter Russian air raids.
- Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his stance on helping Germany assume a larger role in NATO, should Donald Trump win the US Presidential election in November.
- During a press conference, Scholz emphasized Germany's proactive initiative within NATO, citing Biden's and other NATO nations' pledge to supply additional air defense systems to Ukraine.
- Scholz highlighted Germany's contribution to this cause by providing three Patriot systems, stating that it encouraged other nations to follow suit.
- The White House and other NATO allies have been pressured by Ukraine to supply more air defense systems to counter Russian air raids.
- Olaf Scholz urged NATO allies to continue their support and provision of air defense systems, insisting that the process is not yet complete.
- Previously, Scholz had met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy bilaterally, with Zelenskyy requesting seven air defense systems from the allies before the NATO summit.
- Germany currently possesses around a dozen Patriot systems, and since the Russian offensive in February 2022, Ukraine has repeatedly requested the provision of these systems.
- While Joe Biden and Trump have been opponents in the US Presidential race, Scholz's leadership in NATO could potentially influence the alliance's response to international crises, such as the conflict in Ukraine.
