Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Julia Klöckner to discuss military support for Ukraine to be provided by Germany, and the possibility of direct investments in the Ukrainian defense industry.
The President of Ukraine is urgently returning to Kyiv due to the buildup of Russian troops in the Sumy region. He has canceled his trip to the Charlemagne Prize ceremony in Aachen.
Germany will allocate 5 billion euros for military assistance to Ukraine. An agreement has been signed on financing long-range weapons produced in Ukraine, and a contract regarding the defense industry complex.
The number of refugees in Germany reached 3. 45 million, a third from Ukraine. 108,000 Ukrainians arrived in a year, with a total of about 1.2 million.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius allows the Bundeswehr to participate in peacekeeping forces in Ukraine if there is an international mandate and a ceasefire. The decision will be made on collective defense.
Merz is counting on close cooperation with Trump. He demands that Putin agree to a 30-day ceasefire and threatens the Russian Federation with tougher sanctions.
The German President stated that the Kremlin is spreading historical lies by portraying the war against Ukraine as a fight against fascism. He also criticized the United States for deviating from international law.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has called on German politicians to avoid isolationism, given the rise of authoritarianism in Europe and the United States. He stressed the importance of democratic institutions.
The new German Chancellor has stated that there is no question of stationing Bundeswehr soldiers in Ukraine. He also noted that a peace agreement is still a long way off.
Zelenskyy announced preparations for negotiations with the new German Chancellor. He stressed the importance of German support, especially in air defense and financial stability.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has appointed Friedrich Merz as Chancellor. The powers of the Chancellor are transferred to Merz, the CDU leader received 325 votes in the second round of voting.
The leaders of the SPD and CDU/CSU signed a coalition agreement, paving the way for the formation of a new German government. The document records plans for border control, taxes and military service.
Friedrich Merz announced the first candidates from the CDU for ministerial posts, emphasizing experience and dedication. Among them are Wadephul for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Schneider for transport.
The German parliament did not invite the ambassadors of Russia and Belarus to the meeting for the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. This decision underscores Germany's dissatisfaction with the role of the Russian Federation in the liberation of Europe.
The German Bundestag is preparing for the election of the Chancellor on May 6, subject to approval of the coalition agreement. Merz previously stated plans to form a government before Easter.
CDU/CSU and SPD have formed a coalition, presenting an agreement with plans for migration, citizenship and the economy. Merz promises a strong government and support for Ukraine.
Poland has introduced electronic barriers on the rivers of the border with Belarus in the Podlaskie Voivodeship. This was done due to an increase in attempts of illegal entry and attacks on border guards.
President Zelenskyy met with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, discussing aid and European integration. Germany will continue to support Ukraine.
The German President has dismissed Chancellor Scholz and the ministers of his cabinet. Scholz will temporarily serve as acting head until a new government is formed.
The Budget Committee of the Bundestag has approved the allocation of an additional EUR 3 billion in military aid to Ukraine in 2025. EUR 8.3 billion is also planned for 2026-2029.
In Germany, the Bundestag supported the reform of the "debt brake", which will allow allocating hundreds of billions of euros to strengthen defense and infrastructure. The reform envisages the creation of an infrastructure fund of 500 billion euros.
The euro reached a five-month high as the Bundestag considered increasing lending. The dollar hit a two-week high against the yen ahead of the Fed and Bank of Japan meetings.
Friedrich Merz spoke before the vote in the German parliament on plans to unlock funds for defense. He emphasized protection against attacks and called on Europe to increase its military potential.
The Bundestag will vote on amendments to the Basic Law to facilitate the financing of defense and military aid to Ukraine. They plan to allocate 4 billion euros to support Ukraine in 2025.
After the Conservatives won the German election, defense stocks rose to 2. 8%. Germany's benchmark index added 0.4%, and the euro hit a one-month high of $1.0528.
The winner of the Bundestag elections, Friedrich Merz, intends to form a new federal government by April 20. The CDU leader, whose party received 29% of the vote, is ready to negotiate with all parties in the democratic center.
The President of Ukraine congratulated CDU/CSU leader Friedrich Merz on his victory in the Bundestag elections, where the party received 29% of the vote. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of further cooperation between the countries to protect and strengthen Europe.
Following the unsuccessful results of the Bundestag elections, where the FDP won only 4. 4% of the vote, Christian Lindner announced his retirement from politics. He thanked for 25 years of work in politics.
The 2025 Bundestag snap elections recorded a high voter turnout of 52% by mid-day. Four candidates are running for chancellor, including incumbent Prime Minister Scholz.
Early elections to the Bundestag have begun in Germany, seven months ahead of schedule. The incumbent Prime Minister Scholz, opposition leader Merz, Vice Chancellor Habeck, and far-right Weidel are running for the post of chancellor.
