April 14, 2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a surprise visit to Berlin on April 14 for full inter‑governmental consultations with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and members of both governments. It was the first set of government‑level talks of this scale between the two countries in years, underlining Germany’s position of Kyiv as a top foreign‑policy priority amid Russia’s ongoing invasion.
Security was tight: police on rooftops, road closures in the government district, and five helicopters landing on the Chancellery lawn. After a military reception by the Bundeswehr honor guard, Zelenskyy and his delegation held extensive talks with German ministers responsible for defense, economy, development, interior affairs and agriculture.
Defense and drones
Defense and drone cooperation was central to the discussions. Germany and Ukraine signed a series of cooperation agreements covering defense and reconstruction, with Berlin stressing continued support for Kyiv. The two sides agreed to collaborate on the design and production of drones and on “digital battlefield data technology.” German firms could produce Ukrainian‑designed drones under license while benefiting from Ukrainian operational experience. A joint production facility by Rheinmetall is already being established in Ukraine, and memoranda of understanding on further cooperation were expected to be signed.
Chancellor Merz inspected several drone models displayed by German and Ukrainian defense companies on the Chancellery steps. He said close cooperation with Ukraine benefits Germany’s own security and insisted that Russia has no chance of winning the war. The Bundeswehr plans significant expansion of its drone capabilities, and cooperation with Kyiv is seen as a logical next step.
EU membership, reforms and aid
Merz reiterated Germany’s support for Ukraine’s aspiration to join the European Union, calling accession a “strategically important step for more security and greater prosperity in Europe.” He cautioned, however, that EU membership would not happen “anytime soon” and urged Kyiv to continue pushing reforms to combat corruption and strengthen democracy. “Every step in this direction is a step towards Europe,” he said.
A major short‑term priority for Zelenskyy is securing financing and protecting energy and transport infrastructure ahead of winter. He expressed confidence that the EU would soon be able to disburse a promised €90 billion credit line to Ukraine and said an agreement could be reached as early as the next week’s informal EU summit in Cyprus or by mid‑May once Hungary’s new government lifts previous resistance to payments.
Reconstruction and broader cooperation
Talks also covered reconstruction plans and economic cooperation. Germany and Ukraine committed to collaborate on rebuilding projects, and German ministers signaled readiness to support investments and capacity building in Ukraine. Kyiv plans to invest a significant share of the EU credit directly in its armed forces to maintain readiness through at least 2027.
Humanitarian and migration issues
The discussions touched on the movement of refugees and conscription. Unlike Germany, which relies on voluntary recruitment and has been running Bundeswehr recruitment campaigns, Ukraine operates conscription. Since last September, Ukrainian men aged 25 and over are subject to the draft, and many men under 25 have left the country—some arriving in Berlin and registering as refugees. Chancellor Merz expressed concern about the large numbers of young Ukrainian men coming to Germany and urged Kyiv to address the issue, saying it is in Ukraine’s interest to keep men aged 18 to 25 at home to fill army ranks. In Germany, Ukrainians fleeing the war are granted refugee status and immediate permission to work, and receive social benefits and accommodation.
Impressions from the press briefing
At a press conference at the Chancellery, Zelenskyy appeared restrained and focused. He welcomed the cooperation and expressed optimism about imminent EU financial support. Merz conveyed the message that Germany stands behind Ukraine while emphasizing the need for reforms and longer‑term integration into European structures.
Context and significance
The talks come after a period in which Germany has emerged as a major backer of Ukraine, especially after shifts in US policy last year. The agreements on drones and battlefield technology mark a step toward deeper industrial and defense ties, reflecting both Germany’s desire to bolster its own capabilities and to support Ukraine’s battlefield needs. The visit also symbolically elevated Zelenskyy’s status as a high‑risk, high‑profile global leader, with security arrangements typically reserved for the most senior international figures.
Other developments
The day’s broader news in Germany included ongoing strikes by Lufthansa pilots, which affected flights and raised concerns about economic impacts, but the government’s focus remained on the high‑level talks with Kyiv.
Overall, the Berlin meetings produced concrete cooperation commitments on defense, reconstruction and industrial partnership, reaffirmed German political support for Ukraine’s European future, and advanced the push to unlock significant EU financial assistance.