News emerged that more weapons and ammunition for Ukraine would be acquired using frozen assets from Russia. This plan was announced by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. At the same time, Western leaders affirmed that they would not initiate steps that could escalate the conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron underscored this restraint. These statements closed a meeting in Berlin that brought together the leaders of Germany, France, and Poland in the Weimar Triangle. The choice of date was strategic, aligning with the first day of Russia’s parliamentary elections and signaling an effort to mend ongoing frictions in the Franco-German alliance, tensions that observers from the three countries described as a low point in bilateral relations.
Macron had set the tone a day earlier by suggesting that NATO troops could be sent to Ukraine, a possibility that drew opposition not only from Germany but from other allies who argued it would involve the alliance in a broader war with Russia. Scholz has reiterated that Germany will not send Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine, a position that has drawn criticism from Paris and London, both of which have supplied Ukraine with other arms. The divide within Scholz’s coalition — the Social Democrats, Greens, and Liberals — added a domestic political wrinkle to the external debate.
The three leaders revived the Weimar Triangle, a forum that had been inactive for about a year. A political transition in Poland, with liberal Donald Tusk assuming leadership and ending a prolonged period of dominance by the ultranationalist PiS in Warsaw, is viewed as a potential catalyst for renewed unity. The bloc used the moment to affirm solidarity with Ukraine at a time when European attention was dominated by NATO allies within the bloc focusing on rearmament and border security, especially those on the eastern flank.
Awaiting Ramstein
Scholz indicated that seized Russian assets would be used to purchase more weapons for Ukraine and that these purchases would be made immediately on the global market. He offered few details and tied the plan to the next Ramstein Group meeting, which was scheduled for the following week. The Ramstein format, led by the United States, brings together defense ministers from allied countries to coordinate military support for Ukraine and, increasingly, to consider arming capabilities for long-range firepower.
Neither Scholz nor Macron mentioned Taurus missiles or a troop deployment during the press conference. Both topics were effectively off-limits in a summit designed to project unity, with firm handshakes and visibly synchronized gestures. The final briefing included no question-and-answer segment, which helped avoid more contentious issues.
Poland’s leader, Tusk, used remarks in Washington this week with President Joe Biden to deliver a concise message: Europe must speak with one voice on security. The statement hints at a wary anticipation that, should Donald Trump return to the White House after the next elections, European leaders might need to recalibrate expectations regarding transatlantic support.