Thank you very much, Friedrich – Mr. Chancellor, dear attendees, our teams, dear journalists.
I am grateful for the very warm welcome here in Germany today. I am glad that this meeting between us is so special and substantive.
Germany is a key leader in supporting Ukraine and protecting lives – it is Germany that ranks number one in Europe in terms of assistance to our defense. 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.
Today, Friedrich and I spoke specifically about how to make our efforts even more active and stronger. First of all, I would like to thank Germany, the Chancellor personally, and the Government of Germany for the agreements prepared as of today. We have ten documents that have already been signed – ten arrangements, ten agreements of different levels. Arrangements on air defense are among the most urgent for us. This includes air defense missiles – PAC-2 missiles, of course, as well as launchers for IRIS-T systems – we are grateful for them and would like to thank you specifically for this agreement. It is important that we continue working on other types of missiles as well – both for IRIS-T and for Patriot systems. We must ensure the capabilities that allow Europeans to produce here – in Europe – everything that is critically necessary for the defense of Europe. Our European industry, our technological base, our military and political capabilities must be sufficient, under any circumstances, to guarantee reliable protection of life across Europe – for every country and every nation. This includes, in particular, Europe’s ability to produce anti-ballistic air defense systems in the necessary volumes, as well as full-strength protection against any drones, any aerial targets. We discussed this with Friedrich and are working toward achieving this result. 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. Our experience can be integrated into the European security system, and our current cooperation with countries in the Middle East and the Gulf – as they face constant attacks – proves that our experience and our proposals, our Drone Deals are the most effective. We also have an agreement on a new contribution from Germany to our drone production. We will also discuss today the PURL initiative, which enables us to receive missiles for the protection of our skies – we very much count on Germany to continue taking such supportive steps. Thank you, Friedrich, for all the steps you have already taken.
I appreciate that cooperation between Ukraine and Germany has reached the level of a substantive strategic partnership, as the Chancellor has already noted. This is reflected today in our declaration, which has been adopted, as well as in the format of our meeting – intergovernmental consultations will take place, negotiations at the level of our governments. The key areas include energy, infrastructure, the development of our communities, and our political interaction, including cooperation within European institutions. It is important to ensure a clear and unimpeded path for Ukraine toward membership in the European Union. Defense cooperation and joint defense production are, of course, also subjects of these intergovernmental consultations. This format of intergovernmental consultations between our states is taking place today for the first time in more than twenty years. We expect that the next consultations between our governments will take place next year, not in another twenty years – and, God willing, in a peaceful Ukraine. The restoration of this format is a significant political result. There is also a format between Ukraine and Germany for rapid response to any challenges – the format of four, in which our Ministers of Defense and Foreign Affairs will work together. This is important for the effectiveness and speed of decision-making.
There are agreements on cooperation for the modern and sustainable development of our cities and villages. There are also agreements on the development of our industry, and it is very important that there are more jobs in Europe. We spoke in detail about energy and reconstruction in Ukraine. We are interested in Germany and German companies taking an active part in increasing our energy capacity, in building protection, and in restoring what has been destroyed by Russian strikes. We went through a very difficult winter – and Ukraine endured this winter, that is a fact – despite constant Russian strikes and despite the very brutal Russian tactic of combining “shaheds,” a significant number of ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles. We must be ready for next winter – for all scenarios.
And one more point. Of course, I am grateful to Germany for supporting our efforts for 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. Thank you, Germany, and thank you, Friedrich, for understanding this. Thank you for this visit.
Glory to Ukraine!
