Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed further military assistance for Ukraine with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, including a winter support package, strengthening air defences and a new assistance package for Ukraine's F-16 fleet.
The Ukrainian president announced this during a joint press conference in Berlin.
"We discussed with Friedrich the support packages and decisions that are needed. I am very grateful that there will be a winter support package. We discussed further assistance, the urgent need to address the severe shortage of air defence systems and the supply of PAC-2, PAC-3 and IRIS-T missiles to Ukraine. We are also grateful for the support provided to our F-16 fleet. This is essential, particularly for protecting against Russian attacks and Shahed drones. We also discussed a new support package for our F-16s," Zelensky said.
The president added that the two leaders had also discussed joint defence production and Ukraine's European integration.
According to Zelensky, cooperation between Ukraine and Germany in the production of drones and weapons is developing rapidly.
"We are working together to establish the Freya anti-ballistic missile programme. Europe needs this programme," Zelensky noted.
The Ukrainian president also reiterated that Ukraine aims to open all six negotiating clusters in its EU accession talks this year.
Zelensky added that the meeting also addressed support for Ukraine next year. He expressed gratitude to European partners for providing the necessary funding.
