Germany will help Ukraine manufacture long-range missiles

Merz, who has always been a strong supporter of Ukraine, reiterated his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The recent bombings are a 'slap in the face' to diplomacy, he said. "The massive air strikes on Kyiv do not speak the language of peace, but that of the war of aggression," he added alongside Zelensky. At the same time, the chancellor is working on the sanctions front to increase pressure on Moscow and push it to negotiate in earnest.

Neither Merz nor Zelensky gave details about military cooperation between Germany and Ukraine. Merz, above all, refused to answer questions about the possibility of Berlin delivering Taurus cruise missiles (with a range of up to 500 kilometres) to Kyiv. As leader of the opposition he had strongly supported this option, clashing with former chancellor Olaf Scholz and the Social Democrats, partners in the black-red coalition, remain opposed. Putting Ukraine in a position to manufacture long-range missiles, even if not comparable to the Taurus, would circumvent the problem, albeit with a longer lead time.

In addition, Germany will continue to finance Ukraine's use of the Starlink (Elon Musk's) satellite communication system.

Merz also reiterated his call for Putin to engage in ceasefire negotiations, 'in the Vatican, Geneva, or a third venue'. The chancellor also repeated that the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea must remain inactive. Although badly damaged in 2022, speculation has been circulating about its possible recommissioning, under US leadership. 'We will do everything possible to prevent Nord Stream 2 from becoming operational again,' Merz assured.

After the meeting with Merz, Zelensky was also received by the President of the Federal Republic, Frank-Walter Steinmeier in the Bellevue Palace.

Moscow's response to the announcements from Berlin was not long in coming, and the tones are the usual ones. Western countries produce nothing but "continuous attempts to force the Ukrainians to continue fighting," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. This, Moscow continues, would hinder efforts to reach a peaceful solution to the conflict. And again: 'Germany is taking an irresponsible stance.

For Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, plans to jointly develop long-range missiles with Ukraine, as well as tank supplies, show that Berlin is participating in the war.