In Washington: The anti-Putin summit is about to begin

 

Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrives in Washington with his wife Britta Ernst

The heads of government of the anti-Putin alliance have landed in Washington.

Mainly on the agenda of the three-day NATO summit: support for Ukraine in its defensive struggle against the Russian aggressor. After the most serious air attack on Kiev by Kremlin henchmen this year, Ukraine is hoping for more international support.

"We continue to work to protect our cities and communities from Russian terror ," wrote Volodymyr Zelensky on "X". The Ukrainian president arrived in Washington with high expectations.

He is hoping for a clearer accession perspective for his country and stronger military support in the war against Russia. In particular, Kiev is expecting new commitments in air defense systems.

NATO is celebrating its 75th anniversary at the three-day meeting. One thing is clear: the alliance, which has grown to 32 allies, is facing serious challenges. Above all, it needs guarantees for constant military support for Ukraine, even if Donald Trump (78), the election opponent of US President Joe Biden, wins the presidential election in November

It is also clear that the NATO summit will be a real test for Biden . The US President's fitness for a hoped-for re-election is in question even within his own political camp. Olaf Scholz (66, SPD), on the other hand, expressed support and trust in the 81-year-old Democrat.

Before the anniversary meeting of heads of state and government in Washington, Scholz dismissed fears that the host would be overwhelmed. "No, I am not worried about that," said the Chancellor before leaving.

He continued: He knew from many conversations with Biden that he had prepared the summit well and precisely. "Many of the decisions that are now being made and prepared there were developed in close agreement between Germany and the USA," said Scholz. "In that respect, it will also be a very successful summit."

Biden will ceremoniously open the summit marking the alliance's 75th anniversary with outgoing NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (65) - his first appearance in the spotlight of the three-day meeting.

Stoltenberg announced a new agreement to strengthen the defense industry on Tuesday before its official launch.

It is about investing more, expanding production and improving transatlantic cooperation, he explained to representatives of defense companies in Washington.

The war in Ukraine has shown that stocks of weapons and ammunition are too small and production capacities are too low, Stoltenberg said.

For Stoltenberg, it will be the last regular summit before his departure. He will hand over his office to former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on October 1st after ten years.