Germany will deepen its commitment to Ukraine's defense through joint ventures, further trade integration and investment guarantee opportunities. This is provided for in a 10-point plan presented during the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Berlin, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
European leaders are seeking to send a signal to US President Donald Trump that Europe continues to support Kiev, amid his attempts to accelerate diplomatic efforts to end the nearly four-year war in Ukraine.
"A strong Ukrainian defense industry is key to defending against Russian aggression and constitutes an important element of security guarantees to deter future Russian aggression," the document, distributed during Zelensky's visit to the German capital, says. In Berlin today, a series of talks with the US special envoy Steve Witkoff took place.
According to the plan, Germany and Ukraine will strengthen their cooperation in the field of defense-related research, establish joint ventures and carry out joint procurement. The possibility of joint deliveries of Ukrainian defense equipment to protect NATO airspace within the framework of the "European Air Shield" initiative, including drones, is also envisaged.
The two defense ministries will convene regular high-level consultations, and a liaison office with the Ukrainian defense industry will be opened in Berlin. Germany will also increase the presence of its military attaches in Kiev and increase the exchange of experts.
The document also emphasizes the commitment of both countries to implement comprehensive measures to prevent corruption. This comes amid Western concerns over a major corruption scandal in Kiev, which led to the resignations of two ministers and the head of President Zelensky's office.