In Berlin, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, together with Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz, took part in the closing of the eighth German–Ukrainian Economic Forum. The event was attended by representatives of leading German industries, including manufacturing, energy, the agro-industrial sector, and defense.
The Head of State thanked Germany and personally Friedrich Merz for the support and respect shown to Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted Germany’s significant contribution to Ukraine’s defense and to recovery after Russia’s strikes.
“It is very important that, at a time of such a war, Ukraine is not only asking for assistance and support, but is also offering joint projects – projects you have already been discussing today – joint production, and joint outcomes that can strengthen both us and you, first and foremost technologically. Of course, the top priority today is defense production, and we are doing our utmost to ensure that our defense technologies stay ahead and deliver results for our warriors on the battlefield,” the President said.
The Head of State emphasized that one of the first offices focused on joint production projects in the defense industry with Germany will be established specifically in Berlin.
“It is Germany that is one of our largest trading partners in Europe, and I am confident this will remain the case in the future. And this is one of the key tasks of the Ukrainian government – to attract more companies and more contracts with Germany. This brings together not only our economy and Germany’s, but also lays the foundation for even deeper interaction within the European Union, as it inevitably involves neighboring countries as well,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
The President also separately stressed that for many months the primary target of Russian strikes has been Ukraine’s energy sector. At present, there is virtually no power plant in Ukraine that has not been damaged by Russian attacks.
“It is truly hard to withstand the terrorist pressure that Russia applies on a daily basis. But our people are doing it. After every strike, we try to restore everything as quickly as possible, and for this we need continued support from the German government as well. And most importantly, we need support for our air defense infrastructure. This is critically important,” the Head of State said.
According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the ability to recover after strikes, to produce weapons and strike back, and to shoot down Russian missiles and drones also serves as additional leverage in negotiations.
“Peace must be attainable, and only cooperation can bring it closer – our cooperation, and cooperation of all our partners. But real partners – not paper ones, but truly strong partners. For the sake of each of us, and therefore for the sake of our shared ability to live normally – to live in safety,” the President concluded.
Friedrich Merz noted that this is a very important moment to demonstrate the European Union’s ability to stand firm and defend itself. According to him, one of the key factors in this is continued support for Ukraine, including through investment, which he encouraged.
“Even during the war, Ukraine’s economic activity is growing, and there is very significant potential – growth potential in technology, agriculture, and the defense industry. There is also great potential in the area of mineral resources, and we are interested in supporting Ukraine in this regard as well,” the Chancellor said.
Among the topics discussed at the forum were Ukraine’s economic situation, the role of the private sector in recovery, the implementation of investment and infrastructure projects, the development of Ukraine’s industry based on the transfer of German technologies and equipment – particularly in the energy sector – as well as cooperation to guarantee European security.
