President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz reached agreements during talks in Berlin on further strengthening Ukraine’s air defense, defense cooperation, support for Ukraine’s energy sector and reconstruction, as well as the development of other key areas of bilateral relations.
The Head of State thanked Germany for the special and substantive meeting and for being a key leader in supporting Ukraine and protecting human life.
“We all see how geopolitical sentiments can shift and how much depends on Europe’s ability to stand up for itself – for its way of life and its values. Our intelligence services also know for certain that the Russians have no plans to scale back their destabilizing activities against Ukraine and against Europe as a whole. That is why it is of great importance that Germany remains strong, remains committed, and is truly capable of defending the interests of Europe and Europeans,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
The President highlighted the agreements reached on new packages to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense. He also emphasized the need to ensure capabilities that would allow Europeans themselves to produce everything critically needed for Europe’s defense, including the ability to manufacture anti-ballistic air defense systems in necessary quantities and to ensure full-strength protection against drones and aerial threats.
“Ukraine is ready to make its contribution. We have proposed a bilateral agreement to Germany on drones – a Drone Deal – covering various types of drones, missiles, and software for modern defense, and our teams are beginning concrete work,” the Head of State noted.
The Chancellor highlighted the development of joint German-Ukrainian defense production, particularly drones.
“At a level that we have not yet reached here in Germany. Therefore, what we will do in this cooperation will be beneficial not only for the defense of Ukraine. It is also particularly beneficial for us, for our own security. Because there is no other army in Europe that has gained such military experience over recent decades as Ukraine has,” said Friedrich Merz.
The leaders also agreed on a new German contribution to Ukrainian drone production and discussed the development of the PURL initiative.
Among other key issues in bilateral relations were energy, infrastructure, and Ukraine’s reconstruction. Our country is interested in German companies actively participating in expanding Ukraine’s energy capacity, building protection, and restoring what has been destroyed by Russian strikes.
A separate priority is cooperation within European institutions to ensure a clear and unimpeded path for Ukraine toward membership in the European Union.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also thanked Germany for its support for Ukraine’s efforts to achieve peace.
“The war must be ended – and Russia must hear this signal and feel that this choice in favor of peace must be made. That is why sanctions against Russia must be in place and must remain in force, pressure on Russia must continue, and the full scope of support Ukraine needs is required,” the Head of State stressed.
