German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Rejects Division of Security Responsibilities Between Europe and the US
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| Scholz Rejects Split in Europe-US Security Responsibilities Over Ukraine |
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has rejected the idea of a division between Europe and the United States in terms of security and responsibility over the Ukraine conflict. Speaking on Monday at an emergency NATO meeting in France, Scholz stressed the need for transatlantic solidarity, ruling out any interpretation that the US would not be willing to join the way of all the other Western states behind Ukraine.
The gathering, called by President Emmanuel Macron, was intended to provide a united European front after President Donald Trump’s administration changed course on international policy. Trump’s team is apparently seeking a peace agreement with Russia to swiftly terminate the Ukraine war. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has suggested Washington sees no role for American or NATO troops in any post ceasefire security settlements in Ukraine.
Scholz, addressing reporters after the meeting, expressed confidence in NATO’s collective security framework. He brushed off questions about Germany potentially sending troops to Ukraine, calling such discussions premature and unhelpful. “NATO is based on the fact that we always act together and take risks together, thereby ensuring our security,” he stated.
The gathering at the Élysée Palace brought together leaders from Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, as well as representatives from NATO and the EU. Notably, some dissenting EU members were absent, highlighting ongoing divisions within the bloc.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated the UK’s commitment to Ukraine, stating that Britain is “ready and willing” to provide security guarantees, including the potential deployment of troops. However, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk took a different stance, clarifying that Poland has no plans to send troops to Ukraine. Tusk also emphasized the importance of maintaining close cooperation with the US, despite the differing approaches.
The three-hour discussions underscored the challenges of aligning European and US strategies. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, a vocal critic of the West’s handling of the Ukraine conflict, contrasted the meeting unfavorably with the upcoming US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, suggesting that the latter might yield more substantive outcomes.
As the Ukraine conflict continues, the emergency meeting highlighted both the strengths and fractures within the Western alliance. While leaders like Scholz and Starmer advocate for unity and shared responsibility, differing national priorities and the evolving US stance complicate efforts to present a cohesive front.
The outcome of these discussions—and the broader geopolitical landscape—will likely hinge on whether Europe and the US can bridge their differences and maintain a united approach to supporting Ukraine. For now, Scholz’s insistence on collective action within NATO remains a cornerstone of Europe’s response to the crisis.