Germany to Propose Boosting Ukraine's Defenses at Allies' Meeting
Berlin plans to strengthen Kyiv's air defenses and provide military training, subject to specific conditions.
Germany will propose assistance to bolster Ukraine's air defenses as part of future security guarantees at a meeting of Kyiv's allies scheduled for Thursday, according to a government source cited by AFP. This move is seen as a significant step in Berlin's continued support for Ukraine after the United States, with Germany being the largest supplier of military aid to Ukraine following the conflict's onset.
Berlin intends to offer additional weaponry and military training but has thus far refrained from committing to send peacekeeping troops.
The German proposal comes with three major conditions: first, that the United States also participates in offering security guarantees; second, that Russia engages in negotiations; and third, that there is a consensus within the coalition government and support from the German parliament.
Der Spiegel magazine reported that Germany aims to enhance Ukraine's air defenses by 20% annually, in terms of both the number of weapons systems and their effectiveness.
This includes bolstering Kyiv's long-range capabilities with cruise missiles that would be manufactured in Ukraine with financial and technological assistance from Germany.
Furthermore, Berlin plans to provide equipment for four mechanized Ukrainian infantry brigades, including hundreds of infantry fighting vehicles.
In addition, Germany will continue to train Ukrainian soldiers and work on integrating arms production between Ukraine and the rest of Europe more closely.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that while it is premature to discuss deploying German peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, the focus for now should be on adequately supporting the Ukrainian army in its defense efforts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will attend the Paris meeting of the "coalition of the willing," a grouping of 30 mainly European states aiming to demonstrate to U.S. President Donald Trump readiness to offer security guarantees to Ukraine, provided Washington offers sufficient backing and exerts pressure on Russia.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to join the meeting via video conference.
Berlin intends to offer additional weaponry and military training but has thus far refrained from committing to send peacekeeping troops.
The German proposal comes with three major conditions: first, that the United States also participates in offering security guarantees; second, that Russia engages in negotiations; and third, that there is a consensus within the coalition government and support from the German parliament.
Der Spiegel magazine reported that Germany aims to enhance Ukraine's air defenses by 20% annually, in terms of both the number of weapons systems and their effectiveness.
This includes bolstering Kyiv's long-range capabilities with cruise missiles that would be manufactured in Ukraine with financial and technological assistance from Germany.
Furthermore, Berlin plans to provide equipment for four mechanized Ukrainian infantry brigades, including hundreds of infantry fighting vehicles.
In addition, Germany will continue to train Ukrainian soldiers and work on integrating arms production between Ukraine and the rest of Europe more closely.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that while it is premature to discuss deploying German peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, the focus for now should be on adequately supporting the Ukrainian army in its defense efforts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will attend the Paris meeting of the "coalition of the willing," a grouping of 30 mainly European states aiming to demonstrate to U.S. President Donald Trump readiness to offer security guarantees to Ukraine, provided Washington offers sufficient backing and exerts pressure on Russia.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to join the meeting via video conference.
