The leaders of Ukraine and Germany on Tuesday announced a strategic partnership centred on defence as Europe seeks to learn from Ukrainian battlefield expertise, especially in drone warfare. The agreement includes the exchange of digital combat data for the development of new weapons systems, according to German chancellor Friedrich Merz.
The announcement followed a meeting between Merz and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in Berlin on April 14th.
Germany has become Ukraine’s primary supporter during the four-year conflict with Russia, following a reduction in U.S. aid initiated by President Donald Trump. Consequently, Kyiv is eager to ensure Berlin remains firmly committed.
In a related development, allied defence ministers and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte are also meeting in Berlin this Wednesday as part of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
