Ukraine's President Zelensky Discusses Increased Military Aid with Germany's Merz in Berlin
Germany bolsters military support for Ukraine with pledge of €5 billion
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received a warm welcome in Berlin on Wednesday, where he met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and representatives of German companies. The visit was marked by Germany's commitment to provide Ukraine with significant military aid worth €5 billion.
This aid package includes financing for long-range weapons systems produced in Ukraine, as well as air defense systems, weapons, and ammunition. In addition, Germany will support the repair of damaged materials and medical aid. A joint procurement of long-range weapons systems is also under discussion.
"We will continue and expand our military support," Chancellor Merz said after the meeting with President Zelenskyy. Merz did not comment on the possible delivery of the Taurus cruise missile, which Ukraine has expressed interest in acquiring to boost its military capabilities.
However, Merz's announcement potentially opens the door for sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine. He stated that there are no longer any restrictions on the range of weapons delivered to Ukraine. However, Merz also indicated that supplying Ukraine with such missiles would require several months of training for troops.
Russia criticized Germany's pledge, accusing Berlin of warmongering. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskow stated that Merz's statements were nothing but an attempt to force the Ukrainians to continue fighting, thereby sabotaging efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
The visit of President Zelenskyy to Berlin is the fourth since the Russian invasion of Ukraine more than three years ago. The timing of the visit coincides with the inaugural visit of German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to Washington. Wadephul aims to lobby US counterpart Marco Rubio for a united front in dealing with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.
While no definitive decision has been made regarding the delivery of Taurus missiles, Germany's stance appears to be softening, and the possibility of future supplies remains open. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly expressed hope that such weapons could significantly enhance Ukraine's military capabilities. The United States Congress is also reportedly ready to impose additional sanctions on Russia.
- Russia has condemned Germany's decision to bolster its military support for Ukraine, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov accusing Berlin of warmongering.
- The policy-and-legislation shift in Germany, as indicated by Chancellor Merz's announcement, may potentially lead to the supply of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, which could be a significant addition to Ukraine's war-and-conflicts capabilities, as sought by Ukrainian officials, and potentially prompting additional sanctions from the United States against Russia.
