Ukraine, Germany sign agreements on joint defense production

ISTANBUL

Ukraine and Germany have reached new agreements on joint defense production, including investments in weapons manufacturing and drone systems, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Wednesday, following talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin.

Zelenskyy emphasized that drone production in Ukraine is "crucial for saving the lives of our soldiers" and praised Germany's contribution to defending the international rules-based order.

He also confirmed that both sides have signed cooperation agreements in construction and industrial development and agreed to resume intergovernmental meetings at the president and chancellor levels to ensure "substantial" results.

“Germany is one of the global leaders in supporting Ukraine and defending the rules-based international order,” Zelenskyy wrote on X. “That is exactly what we discussed today: our shared diplomacy, our common security, and our joint projects.”

He thanked Merz for the conversation, stressing that it was "crucial" for advancing peace and strengthening security.

Zelenskyy's visit is part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to maintain international support amid the conflict with Russia.

Earlier on Monday, Merz said Germany was lifting restrictions on the range of Ukrainian strikes with German weapons, citing similar moves by Britain and France.

Merz's statements created confusion as the German government had previously denied authorizing such attacks.

ISTANBUL

Zelenskyy emphasized that drone production in Ukraine is "crucial for saving the lives of our soldiers" and praised Germany's contribution to defending the international rules-based order.

He thanked Merz for the conversation, stressing that it was "crucial" for advancing peace and strengthening security.

Zelenskyy's visit is part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to maintain international support amid the conflict with Russia.

Earlier on Monday, Merz said Germany was lifting restrictions on the range of Ukrainian strikes with German weapons, citing similar moves by Britain and France.

Merz's statements created confusion as the German government had previously denied authorizing such attacks.