In a major shift in European defence cooperation, Germany and Ukraine have agreed to jointly produce long-range weapons, with Berlin providing funding, technology, and political backing for the project.
The pact was announced during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Berlin, amid escalating Russian troop build-ups in the Sumy region and fears of a renewed Russian summer offensive.
Merz Declares: ‘No Range Restrictions’
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made clear that Ukraine would face no restrictions on range, opening the door for Kyiv to strike targets inside Russian territory.
“Our defence ministers will sign a memorandum of understanding today regarding the procurement of Ukrainian-manufactured long-range weapons systems,” Merz said at a press conference alongside Zelenskyy. “There will be no range restrictions, allowing Ukraine to fully defend itself—even beyond its borders.”
The weapons will be developed and produced in Ukraine, with German technical components and financing, forming a Berlin-Kyiv production axis.
A Response to Escalation in the East
The deal comes as Zelenskyy warned that Russia has amassed 50,000 troops near Sumy, close to Ukraine’s northeastern border. Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly declared his intention to create a “buffer zone” in the area.
Faced with growing threats, Kyiv is demanding more than aid—it wants autonomy. With Berlin’s help, Ukraine is set to manufacture its own long-range capabilities, including cruise missiles and advanced rockets with ranges of up to 2,500km.
Zelenskyy said he expected the first weapons to be ready by June 2026.
Merz Navigates Domestic and Global Pressures
Chancellor Merz, newly in office, is walking a tightrope. Domestically, parts of his coalition remain wary of Germany becoming too entangled in the war. Internationally, Merz is under pressure to maintain NATO unity while boosting Ukraine’s ability to fight independently.
This deal provides a strategic workaround: Ukraine gains long-range firepower, while Germany avoids direct blame for attacks inside Russia. The model may serve as a blueprint for arms support without escalation.
Merz declined to comment on whether Taurus missiles—Germany’s high-range cruise systems—would be included, despite growing speculation.
Lavrov Reacts: Echoes of the 20th Century
Russia has responded with hostility. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticized the deal as reminiscent of “the periods of the previous century when Germany twice became the leading military power and how much trouble this brought.”
Speaking at a security summit in Moscow, Lavrov called Germany’s ambitions to build “Europe’s strongest conventional army” deeply concerning.
But Merz brushed off the criticism, focusing instead on the need to secure Europe’s eastern flank.
A Multibillion-Euro Package in Play
The weapons agreement is part of a broader multibillion-euro military support package under discussion. Germany is expected to provide:
- Additional air defence systems
- Financial aid for Ukraine to procure US weapons
- Technical support for building and maintaining indigenous weapons platforms
The package could expand on the €3 billion already pledged in March, as Berlin positions itself as a central pillar in European defence policy.
A Strategic Pivot for Europe
The Germany-Ukraine weapons pact marks a strategic realignment in Europe’s security architecture. For Ukraine, it’s a path toward military sovereignty. For Germany, it’s a delicate balance—arming an ally under siege, without being dragged into direct confrontation.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a negotiated peace, but emphasized that Putin remains uninterested in ending the war.
As Zelenskyy and Merz continue talks with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other European leaders in Aachen, the message is clear: Europe is no longer waiting on Washington—it is building its own war deterrent.
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