Germany, Ukraine discuss drone deal as Merz hosts Zelenskyy

Lead

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Berlin on Tuesday for inter-governmental talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, a visit that produced a strategic defence partnership and a renewed discussion of Ukraine's European Union ambitions. The talks, kept secret until shortly before they began for security reasons, brought Zelenskyy and several cabinet ministers to the German capital for consultations with their German counterparts.

Coverage comparison

Reporting on the visit varied in emphasis. Al Jazeera framed the meeting around a new strategic defence partnership, while Deutsche Welle's coverage focused on the logistics of the visit and the agenda of aid, security and rebuilding. The South China Morning Post and TASS — English both highlighted Merz's comments on Ukraine's EU accession prospects, though from different angles — the former examining the political landscape in Brussels, the latter reporting Merz's statements directly.

A notable contrast emerged in tone: Al Jazeera and one Deutsche Welle report described the visit in positive terms, while TASS — English carried criticism of Merz's approach from a German opposition politician.

Key claims

Strategic defence partnership

Ukraine and Germany agreed a strategic defence partnership, as announced by Zelenskyy at a joint press conference with Merz, according to Al Jazeera. The partnership will include cooperation in drone production and a boost for Kyiv's air defences. Germany will gain access to Ukraine's drone expertise, developed during the war against Russia's invasion, in exchange for additional German military support. Zelenskyy said the cooperation covers "various types of drones, missiles, software and modern defence systems."

A joint declaration said the two countries would "strengthen cooperation in the air defence field," with Germany continuing to support Ukraine's drone industry and establishing drone co-production ventures. Germany will fund contracts for several hundred Patriot missiles from the United States, as reported by both Al Jazeera and Deutsche Welle.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov thanked his German counterpart Boris Pistorius for the package, which he said was worth four billion euros ($4.7 billion), calling it "a massive boost for our air defence."

Merz said the deal would benefit Germany as well as Ukraine. Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine has the production capacity to turn out twice as much military equipment as it currently deploys but lacks funding, saying, "We simply don't have enough money."

Ukraine's EU accession

Merz said there was no prospect of Ukraine's "immediate accession" to the EU, but suggested Kyiv could join meetings of EU members without voting rights, as reported by the South China Morning Post. Ukraine is pushing to speed up its bid to join the 27-nation bloc, the outlet said.

Kyiv's progress had been blocked by Hungary's nationalist premier Viktor Orban, but his defeat in elections raised hopes that Ukraine could move to the next step. EU leaders broadly back moving Ukraine forward by opening the first negotiating "clusters," though there is little appetite to fast-track Kyiv to full membership.

TASS — English quoted Merz making a similar point: "Everyone understands that Ukraine's immediate accession to the EU is, of course, impossible." He said he wanted to achieve "closer involvement [of Ukraine] in the work of European institutions," citing Zelenskyy's participation in EU summits without voting rights.

At the Berlin press conference, Merz reiterated that Ukraine belongs in the European Union and should one day become a member, but said, "We both know that this will not happen anytime soon," according to Deutsche Welle. He called Ukraine's accession "a strategically important step for more security and greater prosperity in Europe."

Financial support and loans

Zelenskyy expressed confidence that the EU would disburse a promised €90 billion loan to Ukraine, with an agreement possible at next week's informal EU summit in Cyprus, as reported by Deutsche Welle. Merz promised to advocate for the swift release of the loan. Hungary had previously blocked the disbursement, but with the change of government, it could be released by mid-May, according to sources within the German delegation cited by Deutsche Welle.

Germany has provided nearly €100 billion ($118 billion) in support to Ukraine since the start of the war, including military, financial, technical and humanitarian aid, as well as taking in over one million Ukrainian refugees, according to Deutsche Welle. Germany has become Ukraine's largest backer since the United States withdrew its support, the outlet reported.

Agreements and reconstruction

During Zelenskyy's visit, the two sides signed bilateral agreements on defense cooperation and Ukraine's reconstruction, and issued a joint statement outlining cooperation plans across various fields, according to TASS — English. A "Unity Hub" — an advisory center for Ukrainian refugees wishing to return home — began operating in Berlin.

Perspectives

German government (Friedrich Merz)

Merz framed the partnership as mutually beneficial, saying "We intend, even more than before, to learn from one another and invest in our shared future." He called for a "lasting peace" for Ukraine and supported Kyiv's EU membership goal, while emphasizing the need for reforms, including anti-corruption efforts.

Ukrainian government (Volodymyr Zelenskyy)

Zelenskyy emphasized the immediate need to protect Ukraine's energy and transport infrastructure ahead of winter and called for increased pressure on Russia to agree to peace. He welcomed the defence partnership and expressed confidence in the EU loan disbursement.

Opposition criticism (Gerold Otten, AfD)

Gerold Otten of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), a member of the Bundestag's Foreign Policy Committee, criticized Merz's promise to supply Ukraine with long-range weapons, saying it was "irresponsible" and "dragging our country further into this conflict." He argued that German politicians should prioritize diplomacy over escalating tensions, and the AfD faction has called on the German government to halt arms exports to Ukraine.