Germany and Ukraine Sign Strategic Partnership as Merz Pledges Weapons With 'No Range Restrictions'
Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a strategic partnership declaration in Berlin, with Germany committing 11.5 billion euros for Ukraine in 2026 and pledging weapons development with no range restrictions -- though Taurus cruise missiles remain off the table.
Germany and Ukraine signed a strategic partnership declaration on April 14 following the first formal German-Ukrainian intergovernmental consultations at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed ten agreements covering military cooperation, joint weapons production, and Ukraine's path toward EU membership. Zelenskyy called Germany "our Number 1 partner in defense."
What Was Agreed
Military commitments:
- Germany's 2026 budget allocates 11.5 billion euros for Ukraine, part of approximately 55 billion euros in total German support since 2022
- Additional IRIS-T SLM air defense batteries -- at least three more in 2026 -- plus Skyranger 35 systems
- Joint drone production in Ukraine, with defense ministers signing an MOU
- Weapons development cooperation with "no range restrictions," in Merz's words
- Anti-ballistic missiles for drone defense
- Rockets and missile deliveries for air defense
What was not agreed: Merz declined to commit to delivering Taurus cruise missiles, the long-range weapon Zelenskyy has sought from Germany since 2023. Germany's Green party accused Merz of becoming "the new Scholz" on the Taurus question.
EU membership: Merz said Germany supports Ukraine's EU accession goal "even though we both know we cannot implement it comprehensively in the short term," conditioning it on anti-corruption and rule-of-law reforms.
Context
The consultations brought delegations of ministers from both governments to Berlin. Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov held parallel talks with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, while social and interior ministers met separately to discuss the return of Ukrainian refugees.
Merz framed the partnership in terms that went beyond bilateral relations: "Freedom, peace, open society and market economy at the heart of Europe are at stake today." He urged Russia to "stop playing for time" in peace negotiations and warned: "Russia should take this seriously."
Zelenskyy used the visit to coordinate positions ahead of stalled U.S.-mediated peace talks. Before the meeting, he said: "I am confident that Ukraine will be a central component of the European security system," warning that without integration, some EU nations risk drifting into Russia's sphere of influence.
What's Next
The day after the Berlin consultations, allied defense ministers and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte convene in Berlin as part of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group -- the multinational body coordinating military support.
Zelenskyy flew to Oslo following the Berlin meetings for talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, continuing the European diplomatic circuit.
Germany's 11.5 billion euro commitment for 2026 makes it the largest European contributor to Ukraine's defense. The strategic partnership declaration formalizes a relationship that has evolved rapidly since Russia's 2022 invasion shattered Germany's longstanding policy of not sending weapons to conflict zones.