Kamala Harris in Munich to discuss the Ukrainian question
US Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in Munich to meet with European leaders and discuss the Ukraine crisis, Thursday, February 17, 2022. © Andrew Harnik/AP
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2 mins
US Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in the Bavarian metropolis on Thursday, February 17.
She leads the American delegation to the security conference that takes place every year in Munich.
But this time, it is happening in a context of strong tensions with Russia around the Ukrainian question.
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With our correspondent in Washington,
Guillaume Naudin
This is Kamala Harris' third trip abroad since becoming vice president, and it's certainly one where the stakes are highest.
The number 2 of the American executive will first meet NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, as well as the leaders of the Baltic countries this Friday, February 18.
She will then meet with Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelensky and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday.
I'm in Munich, Germany to lead the US delegation at the Munich Security Conference.
Tomorrow I will join other world leaders to underscore our commitments to our allies and partners, and demonstrate our unity in the face of Russian aggression on Ukraine's borders.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) February 17, 2022
In Munich, there is traditionally the bench and the backbench of security and defense circles.
That is to say whether the word of the United States will be listened to with attention.
While the country claims that Russia could attack Ukraine at any time, that is to say potentially during this trip, it is going to have to speak both to the countries which are calling for strong action to deter Moscow and to those which want diplomatic efforts to continue.
Joe Biden Trustmark
Even if the Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, a faithful Joe Biden for several years, is also on the trip, it is she who will carry the voice of America.
It is therefore a mark of confidence on the part of Joe Biden to entrust this responsibility to his vice-president.
It must be said that despite the public support of the tenant of the White House, the action of Kamala Harris has drawn criticism so far.
For her, whose ambition is known, but whose political career is above all national, it is therefore an opportunity not to be missed.
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To read also: The imminent Russian invasion, according to Washington, despite Moscow's denials
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United States
Kamala Harris
Defense
Germany
Ukraine
NATO
Olaf Scholz