Kyiv is pressing Berlin to assume a more assertive role in shaping international efforts to end Russia’s ongoing military aggression, according to Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksiy Makeyev. Speaking to the German Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Makeyev lauded recent actions by the German government, highlighting Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s (CDU) personal advocacy for a mechanism to utilize frozen Russian assets. This momentum, the ambassador stated, fosters optimism regarding a swift approval for the crucial legal framework.
Beyond asset mobilization, the ambassador emphasized the deepening collaborative efforts between Ukraine and Germany, particularly concerning energy security. With Russia increasingly weaponizing energy supplies, joint preparations for the upcoming winter are paramount. Minister for Economic Affairs Katheine Reich (CDU)’s forthcoming visit to Kyiv, scheduled for Friday, signals a commitment to concrete action, exemplified by the inclusion of representatives from German armaments companies. This delegation, Makeyev noted, intends to foster more direct cooperation with Ukrainian manufacturers and explore collaborative weapons systems production.
The potential for reciprocal benefits between the two nations extends beyond military and economic spheres. Makeyev proposed a framework for mutual learning, suggesting the Bundeswehr could gain valuable insights from the Ukrainian armed forces regarding enhanced defensive capabilities. Simultaneously, German industry could expedite production processes through Ukrainian experience, while German society could strengthen its resilience and German administration advance digitization by observing Ukrainian approaches.
However, the ambassador’s call for increased German leadership highlights a subtle but pointed critique – a suggestion that Berlin’s previous stance has been insufficiently proactive. While affirming Germany’s existing support, Makeyev’s words signal a desire for Berlin to actively steer the international response, rather than merely react to events. Ultimately, Makeyev concluded that German support for Ukraine represents a strategic investment not only in Ukraine’s future, but also in the wider security and stability of Europe.
