During a meeting in Berlin, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz discussed diplomatic opportunities for bringing peace closer, increasing pressure on Russia, strengthening air defense, and investing in Ukrainian drone production.
“Germany is among the global leaders in supporting Ukraine and the rules-based international order. And these rules must be preserved – so that normal life for people can be preserved as well,” the Head of State emphasized.
The President stressed that there can be no preconditions for an unconditional ceasefire, and that such a ceasefire must be achieved as soon as possible.
“We all must remember what lies at the root of any war of aggression, including this war that Russia is waging against Ukraine. It is the entirely criminal desire to kill people and destroy lives. Russia must abandon this desire,” he said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that this is precisely why it is so important to apply all forms of pressure on Russia and to continue strengthening sanctions against it for the war. Germany supports Ukraine in this effort.
Special attention during the meeting was given to security issues – first and foremost, to strengthening air defense and providing weapons to support the Ukrainian army. As the President stated, the meeting resulted in important agreements regarding air defense.
“Our military support will be continued and expanded so that Ukraine can defend itself against Russian aggression – both now and in the future,” added Friedrich Merz.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that for Russia to stop avoiding real diplomacy, it is important to continue defense cooperation between everyone in Europe, as well as between Europe and the United States; it is also necessary to ensure sufficient long-range capabilities and confidence in both the funding of the Ukrainian army and Ukraine’s resilience.
“And this is precisely what frozen Russian assets must be used for. Germany can help us with this,” the Head of State said.
The meeting also addressed joint production. The President noted that an agreement has been reached on investment in drone manufacturing in Ukraine. In addition, representatives of the two governments signed agreements on construction and the development of production facilities.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Friedrich Merz agreed to renew the intergovernmental format between Ukraine and Germany at the level of the President and the Chancellor. This is a format that can strengthen joint results across many areas. The intergovernmental consultations will take place at the end of this year – for the first time since 2004.
