Description: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hosted Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelenskyy in Berlin where discussions were held around the intensification of military support by Germany to Ukrainian defense efforts. The Chancellor recently announced his intent to lift the ban on long – range ballistic and cruise missiles supply, a move that his SPD coalition partners were staunchly against. Merz, however, announced a large package of support in the form of joint cooperation with Ukraine within the military industrial complex by jointly manufacturing and developing long range missiles. Zelenskyy’s visit arrives at a crucial time where the US is showcasing wavering support to Ukraine while Russia rapidly advances on the battlefronts. Zelenskyy also warned of a massive 50 thousand troop amassment in the Sumy region, warning that Russia was preparing to launch a summer offensive if the ongoing negotiations completely falter. Zelenskyy also suggested a trilateral meeting between himself, Putin and Trump, an offer that was immediately rejected by the Kremlin. Germany is the second largest supporter of Ukraine in their war against Russia as large portions of logistical and military support have managed to facilitate the 3 – year Ukrainian opposition of the Russian invasion.
Impact: Germany’s support is crucial to the Ukrainian defense efforts in a period where Europe is still remobilizing both diplomatically and politically. Merz faced pressure from its coalition partners in delivering Taurus missiles to Ukraine, a move he managed to avoid by offering Ukraine close manufacturing and development cooperation. Recent Russian military advancements put Ukraine’s defensive forces in a precarious position and in serious need of heavy military equipment and logistical support. The US has so far denounced intentions of pressuring Russia with additional sanctions, continuing with its calculative and transactional approach towards the war. Merz would have to politically consolidate within its own coalition ranks in order to pioneer Ukraine’s and by extension, Europe’s defense efforts. Zelenskyy’s statements during the visit reiterate Ukraine’s willingness to commence direct high – level negotiations with Russia, something the Kremlin has categorically rejected so far.