Berlin – Germany plans to propose enhanced assistance for Ukraine’s air defense systems during the Coalition of the Willing meeting on Thursday, as reported by a government source speaking to AFP.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will attend the meeting in Paris, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will join remotely via videoconference. This gathering of 30 largely European nations aims to signal to US President Donald Trump their commitment to providing security guarantees to Ukraine, contingent upon adequate support from Washington and increased pressure on Russia.
The proposed assistance package will be contingent on three primary conditions. Firstly, the United States must also agree to provide security guarantees. Secondly, Moscow’s participation in negotiations is essential, and thirdly, there must be consensus within the coalition government supported by the German parliament.
The German source confirmed a report from Der Spiegel, revealing plans to increase Ukraine’s air defense capabilities by 20% annually, focusing on both the quantity and effectiveness of military systems. As the second-largest military aid provider to Ukraine after the United States, Berlin will also supply additional weapons and military training.
Enhancements will include bolstering Kyiv’s offensive air capabilities, particularly with long-range weapons such as cruise missiles, which Ukraine may produce with external financial and technological aid. Germany will provide equipment for four mechanized infantry brigades, including hundreds of infantry fighting vehicles, while continuing to train Ukrainian soldiers and integrate arms production alongside European partners.
What conditions does Germany set for security guarantees?
A report indicates that Berlin’s proposal is contingent on three key conditions: US security guarantees, Moscow’s involvement in negotiations, and support from the coalition government in Germany.
What stance did Merz take on peacekeeping troops?
In related developments, Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that it is premature to consider deploying German peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, although he did not entirely dismiss the possibility. “The most important security guarantee we can provide for the moment is sufficient support to the Ukrainian army in its efforts to defend the country,” he emphasized. Merz mentioned on Tuesday that a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine would be a prerequisite for any troop deployment, which would occur only under strict conditions.