On May 28, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov signed an agreement in Berlin on financing Ukrainian-made long-range weapons. A contract was also signed between Ukraine and the German defense industry.
This was reported on the website of the German Federal Ministry of Defense.
Rustem Umerov arrived in Berlin today with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for talks.
During the Ukrainian defense minister’s visit to the defense ministry in Berlin, Defense Minister Pistorius once again emphasized Germany’s unwavering position and promised concrete support for the country under attack.
The ministers signed an agreement on Germany’s future financing of the production of long-range weapons in Ukraine. This agreement is also part of Germany’s previous commitments to invest directly in Ukrainian defense production. Ukraine has unused production capacity and technical expertise to develop modern systems.
“A significant number of long-range weapons are to be produced by 2025. These systems will be transferred to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with the first ones potentially being put into service in a few weeks. Since they are already being used by Ukrainian troops, no additional training is required,” the statement said.
Germany will also continue to supply ammunition. In addition to the artillery shells already planned for 2025, other ammunition packages for various types of weapons are to be delivered, including for important air defense systems. In addition, Germany will transfer ground weapons and small arms to Ukraine.
The Ukrainian defense minister and the German defense company Diehl signed a contract for the delivery of air defense systems and related ammunition to Ukraine in the presence of the German defense minister.
Germany will also finance repair facilities in Ukraine to strengthen the resilience of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. To this end, defense companies from both countries have signed a joint venture agreement.
A significant portion of the satellite communications funding announced in April has already been provided, and the continued operation of the satellite system is secured for the long term. The same applies to the Ukrainian military command and control system. In addition, Pistorius promised Ukraine additional support in the medical sector: Germany will finance Ukrainian-made medical equipment.
The total value of this support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces is around €5 billion. The funds come from appropriations already approved by the Bundestag. Direct investments in the Ukrainian defense industry and cooperation with defense companies are a declared goal of the federal government for the long-term and sustainable strengthening of Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Together with Foreign Minister Johann Wazewsky, Defense Minister Pistorius wants to call on partners to join forces, especially in the field of air defense. Under the Immediate Action on Air Defense initiative, which has already mobilized around one billion euros, a long-term partnership commitment to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense is planned.