The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Associated Press reported that Ukraine and Germany have agreed on a major defense cooperation deal, including plans for joint production of advanced drones and other military systems, as Kyiv seeks to strengthen its fight against Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Tuesday that
both countries have initiated concrete steps toward producing various types of
drones, missiles, software, and modern defense systems. He made the remarks
during a joint news conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin.
“We have proposed to Germany a bilateral drone deal... Our
teams are starting concrete work,” Zelenskyy said.
Merz described Berlin’s continued support for Kyiv as “a
very clear signal” to Russia, adding, “We will not waver in our efforts to
defend Ukraine.”
The agreement includes a defense package worth €4 billion
($4.7 billion), which Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said would
significantly enhance Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, including the
purchase of “several hundred” U.S.-made Patriot missiles.
Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine has the capacity to double its
military production but lacks sufficient funding. He emphasized the urgent need
for a €90 billion ($106 billion) European Union loan, previously delayed due to
opposition from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
The deal comes as U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to end the war
have slowed. However, Tammy Bruce told the United Nations Security Council that
Washington remains committed to pursuing a negotiated and lasting resolution.
Russia currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory,
including the Crimean Peninsula.
Despite ongoing challenges, Western officials say Ukraine
has recently achieved battlefield gains, disrupting Russian offensives while
continuing long-range drone and missile strikes deep into Russian territory.
Meanwhile, Russian attacks continue. Authorities said
missile and drone strikes in eastern and southern Ukraine killed at least five
civilians and injured dozens more.
