In a significant escalation of military cooperation, Germany and Ukraine have signed a €5 billion agreement to jointly develop long-range missile systems, marking a pivotal shift in Germany’s defense policy. The deal, announced during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Berlin, includes funding for Ukraine’s domestic production of advanced weapons and air defense systems. Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that there would be no restrictions on the range of missiles produced under this collaboration, signaling a departure from previous limitations imposed on Western-supplied arms to Ukraine.
This agreement represents a significant policy shift for Germany, which had previously refrained from supplying Ukraine with long-range weapons like the Taurus cruise missiles due to concerns over escalating the conflict. The new approach aligns Germany more closely with NATO allies and underscores Europe’s commitment to enhancing Ukraine’s defense capabilities amid ongoing Russian aggression.
The pact also includes provisions for continued support for Ukraine’s Starlink communications coverage and other defense initiatives. While the inclusion of Germany’s powerful Taurus missiles remains uncertain, Merz confirmed financing for various projects, indicating a broader commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s defense infrastructure.
This development comes at a time when Russia has intensified its missile attacks on Ukraine and shown no willingness to negotiate. In response, European leaders are preparing further sanctions against Russia and are stepping up military aid to Ukraine, with total contributions now exceeding those of the U.S., according to the Kiel Institute.
The Germany-Ukraine defense pact marks a new phase of military-industrial cooperation and underscores Europe’s determination to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
