Biden to Host German Chancellor Scholz Amid Ukraine Aid Stalemate

Meeting to focus on Ukraine aid, vetoed EU financial package, and Israel-Hamas conflict.

President Joe Biden will host German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the White House on Feb. 9 to discuss aid for Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The U.S. has already sent Ukraine $111 billion in aid since Russia's invasion in February 2022, but further aid is stalled due to disagreements between Congress and the White House.
The European Union has proposed to provide Ukraine with 50 billion euros ($55 billion) in aid, but Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a close ally of Putin, has vetoed the plan.
EU leaders are expected to meet again on Feb. 1 to attempt to reach a deal on the financial package for Ukraine.
The Israel-Hamas conflict will also be a focus of the White House meeting, with discussions on preventing regional escalation, supporting Israel's right to self-defense, and increasing life-saving assistance and protection of civilians in Gaza.