Germany and Ukraine plan to deepen their mutual cooperation. During the first joint government consultations in over two decades, it was agreed to elevate bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership, according to Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) on Tuesday at the Chancellery. He stated, “We want-and even more than in the past-to learn from each other and invest in our shared future. We desire a sovereign and democratic Ukraine as a powerful partner within a free, secure, and prosperous Europe”.
Merz added that comprehensive support measures were agreed upon, including assistance with air defense, long-range weaponry, drones, and artillery ammunition. He emphasized that this cooperation benefits not only Ukraine’s defense but also Germany’s security, noting, “No army in Europe has been tested in combat in the last decades as the Ukraine has been”.
Furthermore, several declarations of intent were signed during the government consultations. These include future exchanges of digital battlefield data to aid in the development of new weapon systems. The two nations also intend to collaborate closely on digitalization, extending this focus to the modernization of public services. Additionally, a new agreement concerning industrial reconstruction was signed. The Chancellor concluded by stating, “We will therefore intensify our cooperation in these areas, as well as in agriculture, hydrogen infrastructure, and critical raw materials”.
