In a significant development in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, Germany and Ukraine have announced plans to jointly develop and produce long-range missiles, signaling a deepening of military cooperation between the two countries.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin on Wednesday, emphasized that no range limits would be imposed on the missiles manufactured through this partnership.
“We want to enable long-range weapons and support joint production,” Merz said during a joint press conference. “We will not disclose specific details publicly, but this cooperation will intensify.”
His remarks underscore a stronger German commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts, particularly in light of renewed Russian aggression.
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President Zelenskyy confirmed that both sides had signed agreements for the construction and expansion of weapons production facilities, including the domestic manufacturing of drones. “These new projects already exist,” he said. “Now we just want to scale them to the level that matches our defense needs.”
The announcement comes at a tense moment in the war. Despite recent face-to-face negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian officials—reportedly held under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump—a ceasefire deal remains elusive.
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Following the failed talks, Russia launched three consecutive nights of aerial assaults across Ukraine, and Zelenskyy reported that Moscow had amassed 50,000 troops near the northern Sumy region, signaling a possible new offensive.
Chancellor Merz criticized Russia’s actions, stating: “This is a slap in the face to all who are working for peace—whether in Ukraine, Europe, or the United States.”
In addition to bolstering Ukraine’s defense industry, Merz pledged that Europe would continue increasing diplomatic and economic pressure on Russia, including ensuring the Nord Stream 2 pipeline remains inactive.
He reaffirmed Germany’s support for Ukraine’s right to defend itself, including the use of long-range missile strikes into Russian territory, a notable shift from the more cautious stance of his predecessor, Olaf Scholz.
Merz, who took office earlier this month, has quickly positioned Germany as a leading voice in Europe’s response to the war, visiting Kyiv within days of becoming chancellor. His administration has also adopted a policy of “strategic ambiguity,” declining to publicly list the types of military aid it provides to Ukraine.
As Russia continues its military aggression, the new defense partnership between Berlin and Kyiv represents a bold step forward in European efforts to counter Moscow and support Ukraine’s sovereignty.
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