Berlin, Germany – In a significant development, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced a new agreement with Ukraine to procure extensive weapon systems. The Defense Ministers are set to sign a corresponding declaration of intent in Berlin later today, following a meeting between Merz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Chancellor’s Office yesterday.
The agreement focuses on weapon systems produced in Ukraine, with Merz stating that there will be no range restrictions. This would enable Ukraine to fully defend itself, including against military targets outside its national borders. The Chancellor described the move as the beginning of a new form of military-industrial cooperation between the two countries, which has great potential.
Notably, the German-Ukrainian government consultations are set to resume by the end of 2025, the first such meeting in many years. Merz acknowledged that the war has changed the relationship between Germany and Ukraine, bringing the two nations closer together as societies, but also as governments. The majority of Germany’s federal ministers worked closely with their Ukrainian counterparts today, a collaboration that will be further developed, according to Merz.