German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that the United States commits to international norms when supplying military assistance to Ukraine, a message he delivered at a press briefing. He affirmed that the decisions orchestrated by the US government align with global rules and cautioned that a drawn-out conflict may be on the horizon for Ukraine, urging preparedness on all fronts. [citation: Berlin press briefing, 2024]
Scholz reiterated Germany’s stance on long-range weapon transfers to Ukraine, underscoring a policy that seeks to prevent these weapons from being used to strike targets within Russian territory. He stressed that Germany exercises strict oversight over every arms request it receives and highlighted a shared framework of responsibility with the United States, a principle he described as being aligned with President Joe Biden. [citation: German government policy briefing, 2024]
Previously, CDU defense policy experts and Bundestag deputies argued that allies should provide Ukraine with the full spectrum of available military capabilities, including long-range systems like Taurus missiles, to bolster Kyiv’s defense and deterrence. This viewpoint reflects a broader transatlantic discussion about assurance, burden-sharing, and the evolving security needs on the ground. [citation: CDU defense committee remarks, 2024]
In parallel, discussions have continued about Ukraine’s path toward NATO membership, with many officials outlining the geopolitical and strategic considerations involved. While NATO accession remains a complex political process, the emphasis remains on ensuring Ukraine can defend itself and contribute to regional security while allies weigh compliance with alliance standards and timelines. [citation: NATO policy discussions, 2024]