Biden and Scholz Meet at White House to Discuss Ukraine-Russia Conflict and Increase Arms Production

Washington, D.C. – US President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met at the White House on Friday to discuss the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. During the meeting, Biden praised Scholz for his support of Ukraine, saying it has “made a world of difference” in the war.

As Ukraine runs low on the ammunition it needs to continue fighting off the Russian invasion, some of Kyiv’s staunchest backers, including the United States, are putting pressure on European allies to quickly ramp up arms production. An ambitious proposal made by Estonia and reviewed by NBC News would have Europe increase 155 millimeter artillery shell production by seven times, moving manufacturing capacity from 240,000 to 300,000 shells per year to up to 2.1 million shells annually.

The estimated cost of the joint acquisition effort would be nearly $4.25 billion, to be shared by European Union member states. If fulfilled, Europe would be able to produce Ukraine’s ammunition needs in six months, rather than the four years it would take at current production levels.

In addition to increasing arms production, Biden noted that Ukraine has also taken steps to increase defense spending and diversify away from Russian energy sources. He said that these changes have not been easy, but have been necessary in order to support Kyiv.

The US and European allies are continuing to work together to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia. It is hoped that increased arms production will help Ukraine to defend itself and ultimately bring an end to the conflict.