Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Berlin on April 14 for an official visit, where he met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The discussions culminated in the signing of several defense cooperation agreements between Ukraine and Germany.
During a joint press conference, Zelenskyy announced that a total of ten agreements were signed, focusing on various aspects of defense collaboration. Key among these is a commitment to jointly produce air defense systems aimed at countering ballistic threats and drones.
“We must ensure that Ukraine collaborates with the EU in the production of these missile defense systems. Europe simply lacks the manufacturing capacity. Our teams are beginning concrete work. Our experience, our proposals, and our drones are the most effective,” he stated.
Chancellor Merz emphasized the strategic nature of the partnership, noting that the agreements included data exchange and cooperation in digitalization and public service provision.
In addition to the agreements, Merz announced new military aid packages for Ukraine, which will include air defense systems, long-range weapons, drones, and ammunition.
“For our cooperation in the coming months and years, we agreed on three areas today… We have agreed on new aid packages, primarily concerning air defense, long-range weapons, drones, and ammunition,” Merz said.
Zelenskyy also mentioned that the negotiations resulted in a new German contribution to Ukrainian drone production. He added that intergovernmental consultations would also address the PURL program, which facilitates the acquisition of missiles for air defense.
“We will also discuss the PURL program today, which allows us to obtain missiles for sky protection. We are counting on Germany to continue making such supportive steps,” the Ukrainian leader remarked.
Zelenskyy highlighted that these intergovernmental consultations mark the first such discussions focused on defense cooperation in over 20 years.
“The subject of the intergovernmental consultations is defense cooperation and joint defense production. This format of intergovernmental consultations between our countries is taking place for the first time in over 20 years. We hope that the next consultations will occur next year, not in another 20 years,” he explained, considering this a significant political achievement.
The president also reminded that a “four-format” collaboration exists between the defense and foreign ministers of both nations to respond swiftly to any challenges.
On the topic of Ukraine’s integration into the EU and NATO, Zelenskyy dismissed ideas of “simplified” membership processes. He asserted that both the European bloc and NATO countries should be interested in Ukraine’s full integration.
“Everyone in Europe knows our position: we do not need a ‘light’ version of the EU or NATO. I believe that Europe and NATO need Ukraine as a strong partner, and our strong army is essential. No one wants a ‘light’ Ukrainian army; what kind of defense would that be? Therefore, I consider this a mutual interest,” he stated.
Merz acknowledged Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to align with EU standards and fulfill the necessary requirements for membership.
“We want to show Ukraine the path to step by step approach to EU membership. This is not second-tier membership; it’s just a process of alignment. Ukraine must fulfill certain tasks, and the EU has its own tasks. Regardless of the timelines, in the end, Ukraine must be closely linked to the EU, and the people in Ukraine must know: their future, if they desire it, is Europe,” Merz said.
Following his visit to Germany, Zelenskyy is set to travel to Norway to meet with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Earlier, a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is scheduled for April 15 in Rome.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Germany to strengthen defense ties, signing ten agreements with Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The discussions included military aid and cooperation on air defense systems, marking a significant step in Ukraine's defense collaboration with Germany.