Germany and Ukraine boost ties with military arms agreement

    
• What happened? Germany and Ukraine will sign a letter of intent to acquire long-range weapons systems from Ukrainian production.
• Where and when? The information was announced in Berlin after the meeting between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
• Why is it important? This marks the beginning of a new form of military-industrial cooperation between Germany and Ukraine, which could influence the regional balance of power.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that the defense ministers of Germany and Ukraine will sign a letter of intent concerning the acquisition of long-range weapons systems, known as long-range fires, from Ukrainian production. The meeting, held in Berlin, aimed to enhance military cooperation between the two countries.

Merz emphasized that there would be no range limitations for these weapons, which means that Ukraine will be able to defend itself against military targets beyond its territory. “There are no more range limitations for weapons delivered to Ukraine. Ukraine has the right to use the weapons it receives beyond its own borders against military targets on Russian territory. In my view, this is necessary, because those who only fend off an attack on their own territory cannot defend themselves sufficiently,” explained the chancellor.

When asked about the possibility of delivering Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, Merz refused to provide details about specific types of weapons. “There will be no public information about specific types of weapons,” he emphasized. The chancellor also assured that his government will do everything possible to prevent the reactivation of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.