Berlin (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Germany will propose assistance to enhance Ukraine’s air defences during a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing on Thursday, according to a government source speaking to AFP.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was also attending Thursday’s Paris meeting of the allies in person. Chancellor Friedrich Merz is expected to participate in the meeting remotely through videoconference.
The alliance of 30 largely European nations hopes to demonstrate to US President Donald Trump that it is willing to provide security guarantees to Ukraine, as long as Washington is willing to give adequate support and put pressure on Russia.
What conditions does Germany set for security guarantees?
As reported, the German source noted that Berlin’s proposal would be “subject to three conditions,” the top one being that the United States also agrees to provide security guarantees.
Secondly, Moscow would need to “participate in negotiations,” and thirdly, there must be consensus within the coalition government, along with backing from the German parliament.
The source verified a report in Der Spiegel indicating that Germany plans to increase Ukraine’s air defences by 20 per cent annually, focusing on both the quantity and effectiveness of weapons systems.
Berlin, which has been the second-largest provider of military aid to Ukraine after the United States, would also supply additional weapons and military training.
Kyiv’s offensive air capabilities would also be strengthened, including with long-range weapons like cruise missiles that Ukraine could produce with financial and technological assistance.
Germany will supply equipment for four mechanised Ukrainian infantry brigades, including hundreds of infantry fighting vehicles. It will also persist in training Ukrainian soldiers and enhance arms production integration between Ukraine and Europe.
What stance did Merz take on peacekeeping troops?
A day ago, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that it is too early to consider deploying German peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, though he did not completely rule out the possibility.
“The most important security guarantee we can provide for the moment is sufficient support to the Ukrainian army in its efforts to defend the country,”
Merz said on Tuesday. He stated to Sat1 TV channel that a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine would be a prerequisite for Germany to deploy troops, and even then, only under strict conditions.
