Germany announces €1 billion in additional military aid for Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced an additional €1 billion in military aid for Ukraine during a visit to Kyiv the previous day.

“Operative Information Center-OMM” reports that the announcement was carried by foreign media.

At a joint news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Merz also said €350 million would be allocated to help restore Ukraine’s energy sector.

Merz stressed that Germany remains one of Ukraine’s most consistent supporters.

“We are doing this not only to protect Ukraine’s territorial integrity, but also because of our deep conviction and our own interests. This is about Europe’s security,” he said.

German company executives who accompanied Merz to Kyiv signed 14 agreements with the Ukrainian government and businesses, with a combined value of about €6.6 billion.

Under one agreement, Ukraine will acquire IRIS-T air defense missiles from German company Diehl Defense. Agreements were also signed with Hensoldt for radar equipment and with Quantum Systems for the supply of interceptor systems used against unmanned aerial vehicles.

Zelenskyy said the significance of the visit went beyond Germany’s assistance to Ukraine:

“Ukraine is also sharing its knowledge and experience, and placing orders. This means jobs for Germany.”

He added that Ukraine and Germany were close to finalizing a broad defense agreement.

According to Zelenskyy, the agreement is expected to provide for the production of drones, missiles and related software.