Germany and Ukraine upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership in Berlin on Tuesday, with Germany committing additional funding for air defense systems.
Germany Strengthens Relationship with Ukraine
Germany is strengthening its relationship with Ukraine, and Berlin will allocate more funds for arms to Kyiv. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, receiving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin, announced the elevation of relations to a strategic partnership.
“Friendship and the bond between our societies are deeper than ever before. Therefore, it is a natural step today to raise our bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership,” Merz stated during a press conference at the German-Ukrainian intergovernmental consultations in the Chancellery.
New Agreements and Financial Commitments
Prior to the conference, ministers from both countries signed two documents: one concerning data cooperation between defense ministries, and the other a joint declaration supporting the reconstruction of Ukrainian industry.
Germany has committed to funding several hundred Patriot air defense system missiles for Ukraine.
EU Accession and Reform Demands
Merz affirmed Germany’s support for Ukraine’s goal of joining the European Union, acknowledging it is not a short-term prospect. He urged Kyiv to intensify reforms, particularly in the areas of the rule of law and combating corruption.
Peace and Relations with Russia
The Chancellor stated that Berlin advocates for a “swift and lasting peace,” but will not accept a “peace imposed, in which Russia realizes its maximum demands.” He emphasized that any agreements with Russia will not be made over the heads of European nations.
Hungary and EU Aid
The German Chancellor expressed hope that, following the electoral victory of the TISZA opposition party in Hungary, the release of the €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine, previously blocked by Budapest, will soon be possible.
Repair of the Friendship Pipeline
Zelenskyy announced that the Friendship pipeline will be repaired by the end of April. He expressed hope that relations between Kyiv and Budapest will be based on pragmatism and mutual respect following the Hungarian elections.
He noted the Hungarian parliamentary elections took place on April 12th, coinciding with Easter in Ukraine, calling it a “very symbolic” occurrence.
Pipeline Damage and Hungarian Obstruction
The Ukrainian section of the Friendship pipeline was damaged on January 27th in a Russian attack, halting the transit of Russian oil through Ukrainian territory to Hungary and Slovakia. Ukrainian authorities reported the damage was severe and the pipeline could be re-targeted by Russia.
The Hungarian government of Viktor Orbán maintained that Ukraine deliberately halted the transit, and in response blocked the €90 billion EU loan for 2026-2027. Hungary also refused to adopt the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, which was slated for February 24th, the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine.
German Military Aid and Support
During the intergovernmental consultations, the German Defense Ministry announced Germany will fund the delivery of several hundred Patriot air defense system missiles from the American arms manufacturer Raytheon. Ukraine will also receive additional Iris-T air defense systems, and Germany will co-finance Ukrainian capabilities for long-range targeting.
While strongly supporting Kyiv diplomatically and becoming a key arms supplier, Germany has not yet agreed to provide Ukraine with Taurus long-range missiles. Since February 24, 2022, Germany has provided Ukraine with at least €39 billion in civilian aid and approximately €55 billion in military support. The 2026 budget approved by the Bundestag includes €11.5 billion for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy’s Continued Travel
Following the intergovernmental consultations in Berlin, Zelenskyy will travel to Norway on Tuesday.
