Germany, Ukraine deepen defence ties with new military aid pact

Germany and Ukraine have signed a new defence cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening military capabilities and coordination, as Kyiv continues to seek sustained support in its war efforts.

The document was signed in Berlin by the countries’ defence ministers, Mykhailo Fedorov and Boris Pistorius, during an official visit by a Ukrainian delegation led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that the agreement includes additional military assistance packages comprising air defence systems, long-range weapons, drones, and ammunition. He also confirmed that both sides had agreed to establish an electronic data exchange system to enhance operational coordination on the battlefield.

Zelenskyy emphasised that Europe needed to develop the capacity to independently produce anti-missile air defence systems at scale. He expressed confidence that joint production between European countries and Ukraine would eventually ensure comprehensive protection against drone and missile threats, while also strengthening the continent’s defense industry and technological base.

Merz also underlined Germany’s support for Ukraine’s efforts to limit the departure of men of conscription age to European Union countries, arguing that such measures were necessary to maintain Ukraine’s defensive capabilities, preserve social cohesion, and enable long-term reconstruction.

Addressing the same issue, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine’s armed forces would prefer young men who had left the country illegally to return from abroad to support national defence efforts.

By Sabina Mammadli