During a meeting in Berlin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz discussed diplomatic opportunities to advance peace, increase pressure on Russia, strengthen air defense, and invest in Ukrainian drone production.
“Germany is among the global leaders in supporting Ukraine and the rules-based world order. And the rules must be preserved so that people’s normal lives are also preserved,” the Head of State said.
The President emphasized that there can be no preconditions for an unconditional ceasefire, and it must be achieved as soon as possible.
“We must all remember that the root cause of any aggressive war, including this war of Russia against Ukraine, is the utterly criminal desire to kill people and destroy lives. Russia must abandon this desire,” he said.
Volodymyr Zelensky noted that this is why it is important to apply all forms of pressure on Russia and continue strengthening sanctions against it for the war. Germany supports Ukraine in this effort.
Special attention during the meeting was given to security issues, primarily strengthening air defense and supporting the Ukrainian army with weapons. According to the President, the meeting resulted in important agreements regarding air defense.
“Our military support will be continued and expanded so that Ukraine can protect itself now and in the future from Russian aggression,” added Friedrich Merz.
Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that for Russia to stop avoiding real diplomacy, further defense cooperation among all in Europe and between Europe and the US is essential, along with sufficient long-range capabilities and confidence in funding the Ukrainian army and Ukraine’s resilience.
“And that is why we must use frozen Russian assets. Germany can help us with this,” said the Head of State.
The meeting also covered joint production. The President announced an agreement on investments in drone manufacturing in Ukraine. Additionally, representatives of the two governments signed agreements on the construction and development of production facilities.
Volodymyr Zelensky and Friedrich Merz agreed to resume the intergovernmental Ukraine-Germany format at the President and Chancellor level. This format can increase joint results across many areas. The intergovernmental consultations will take place at the end of this year — the first since 2004.
