Merkel Meets Zelenskyy in Berlin to Strengthen German-Ukrainian Drone Cooperation

As one of the top leaders providing the most aid to Kyiv in the Ukraine war, German Chancellor Merz hosted Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Berlin on Tuesday, April 14, aiming to bolster European defense cooperation.

This meeting comes at a time when peace talks driven by U.S. President Trump to end the Ukraine war have stalled, primarily due to disagreements over Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, with Kyiv refusing to compromise.

Moreover, the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran has pushed the Ukraine issue to the margins of the international agenda, further fueling Trump’s frustration with European allies. Under this backdrop, Ukraine seeks continued European support to counter Russia, particularly military and financial assistance from Germany.

Germany is currently one of Ukraine’s largest donors. Ukraine also aims to share its own expertise—especially in drone warfare—with Europe, helping it confront Russia’s growing threat while also addressing the trend of decreasing U.S. involvement.

European circumstances are increasingly favorable for Ukraine

Lately, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán lost an election; he had previously blocked EU loans of €90 billion and new sanctions against Russia to Ukraine.

The Ukrainian military possesses unique practical experience in drone tactics. These devices, valued for their low cost, high effectiveness, and increasing range, have become critical weapons in modern warfare. Berlin hopes to leverage this experience. Chancellor Merz has already committed hundreds of billions of euros to rebuild Germany’s long-underfunded military in anticipation of potential Russian threats. The widespread use of drones on the battlefield has enabled some small Ukrainian manufacturers to quickly emerge as key suppliers, both for offensive systems and defensive ones.

In the Middle East conflict, Ukraine has also demonstrated relevant technological capabilities. President Zelenskyy sent anti-drone experts and visited countries hit by Iranian attacks.

Germany and Ukraine to launch drone collaboration

On Tuesday, German company Quantum Systems announced the establishment of a new joint venture with Ukrainian manufacturers. The company stated: "Quantum Systems has already operated Quantum Frontline Industries (QFI), the first Germany-Ukraine joint venture." It added that it is currently collaborating with Ukraine’s Frontline Robotics to scale up production in Germany, with plans to manufacture 10,000 multi-purpose quadcopter drones for the Ukrainian armed forces.

Additionally, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius met with Ukraine’s Minister for Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, a Ukrainian defense liaison group meeting will be held in Berlin, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and UK Defense Secretary John Healey expected to attend.

Furthermore, German Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt welcomed Ukraine’s Minister for Social Affairs Denys Uliutin in Berlin, where they jointly inaugurated a "Solidarity Center" to serve Ukrainians in Germany. The center will offer counseling, language courses, and cultural activities. Dobrindt said the center aims to provide a contact point for Ukrainians to discuss possible future return prospects. Meanwhile, immigration issues remain a central topic behind the rise of Germany’s far-right, pro-Russian party, Alternative for Germany (AfD).

Source: rfi

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862445865691136/

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