Zelensky announces new air defense supplies from Germany
Ukraine will receive new packages of air defense systems from Germany as early as September. President Volodymyr Zelensky said this after a conversation with Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz. According to German media reports, the upcoming delivery is expected to include additional missiles for IRIS-T systems.
Zelensky said he thanked Merz for supporting Ukraine and Germany's role in strengthening Ukrainian air defense. He did not specify the exact composition of the packages announced by the president, their cost, or the quantity of weapons.
However, the day before, the German outlet t-online, citing sources in the German government, reported that Berlin intends to further bolster military aid to Ukraine. In September, additional anti-aircraft missiles for IRIS-T systems are planned to be transferred to Kyiv. In addition, Germany expects to deliver several thousand strike drones to Ukraine in the near future.
Thus, this is not only a continuation of previously agreed deliveries but also an additional reinforcement of aid to Kyiv amid Russian air attacks and a sharp deterioration in relations between Berlin and Moscow.
Talk took place after attack in Leipzig
One of the main topics of the conversation between Zelensky and Merz was the incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport. On September 1, the German government officially blamed Russia for the failed attack involving an explosives-laden drone.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Berlin views the incident as a Russian hybrid attack and intends to take retaliatory measures. In particular, Germany has decided to close the Russian consulate general in Bonn from September 18, terminate the agreement on the Russian House in Berlin, tighten control over the entry of Russian citizens, and push for new sanctions in the EU.
Berlin also intends to increase pressure on the Russian shadow fleet and continue military and civilian assistance to Ukraine.
Zelensky, for his part, offered Germany Ukrainian experience and expertise in areas where it may be needed to counter such threats.
Kyiv and Berlin finalize Drone Deal
Another topic of the conversation was a separate Ukrainian-German agreement in the drone sector. According to Zelensky, the teams of both countries are already finalizing the text of the Drone Deal. The president noted that the agreement should strengthen the defense capabilities of both Ukraine and Germany.
The parties discussed the content of the future agreement and the timing of its signing. Zelensky and Merz also agreed to hold a personal meeting.
Work on the Drone Deal began after April talks in Berlin. At that time, Ukraine and Germany concluded a package of defense agreements worth about €4 billion, covering air defense, unmanned systems, and joint defense production.
One of the largest elements of the April package was a contract worth €3.2 billion for several hundred missiles for Patriot systems, funded by Germany. It also included €300 million for Ukrainian long-range strike capabilities and deliveries of thousands of drones.
In the following months, Kyiv and Berlin continued negotiations on strengthening air defense. In July, Zelensky and Merz separately discussed additional interceptor missiles, including scarce ammunition for Patriot, as well as the creation of a European air defense system with the participation of German defense companies.
Based on materials: Volodymyr Zelensky, t-online, German Foreign Ministry, Ukrainian Ministry of Defense
