Friedrich Merz

The German government expressed disagreement with the European Commission's proposal for the EU budget, which included €100 billion in aid to Ukraine. Berlin considers an increase in the budget unacceptable when member states are consolidating their own budgets.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will sign an agreement on mutual assistance in the event of an armed attack. The document also provides for the joint development of a missile system and measures to mitigate the consequences of Brexit.

President Zelenskyy stated that a demonstration of force would compel the Russian dictator to sit down at the negotiating table, possibly without its direct application. He emphasized that Russians only understand force, which is why Ukraine needs strong sanctions and weapons.

US President Donald Trump agreed to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's proposal regarding aid to Ukraine, offering to sell five Patriot systems instead of two. This change of position was the result of efforts by EU and NATO leaders, including the President of Finland and the NATO Secretary General.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that his country will make a decisive contribution to financing Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine. This will help Ukraine defend itself against bombings and increase pressure on Moscow to achieve peace.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is considering cutting social assistance for the unemployed, including Ukrainian refugees, to save public spending. The reform envisages the introduction of a basic income from 2026 and stricter requirements for housing costs.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the possible introduction of 30% tariffs by the US would "hit German exports in the heart. " Germany is considering counter-tariffs and coordinating actions with EU leaders to prevent this.

The German Ministry of Defense denied Politico's report about plans to increase the F-35 fleet to 50 units. Currently, Germany has ordered 35 fighters to replace outdated Tornado jets.

The German government plans to purchase 15 more F-35 fighter jets from the US, increasing its planned fleet to 50 aircraft. This comes amid disagreements with France over the European next-generation fighter program.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated in Rome that Russian assets could be unfrozen on the condition that Ukraine is compensated 500 billion euros. Frozen Russian assets abroad amount to over 300 billion euros.

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa stated that Ukraine will receive American Patriot air defense systems. This comes amid intensified Russian drone and ballistic missile strikes on Ukrainian territories.

President Zelenskyy announced expectations of a decision regarding the 18th package of sanctions against Russia and the US's proximity to implementing them. Ukraine is also working on joint drone production with several countries, including Denmark and Germany.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, discussing massive Russian shelling, increased investment in Ukrainian drone production, and the situation on the battlefield. Germany reaffirmed its support for Ukraine on its path to European integration and called on Slovakia to unblock the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the country's readiness to buy additional Patriot air defense systems from the US for transfer to Ukraine. He discussed this issue with US President Donald Trump.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly appealed to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, urging him to support the 18th EU sanctions package against Russia. Slovakia is blocking the package due to unresolved issues regarding gas supplies after 2027.

Germany is discussing the purchase of up to 1,000 Leopard 2 tanks and 2,500 GTK Boxer armored vehicles worth 25 billion euros. This is part of a plan to form six NATO brigades and transform the Bundeswehr into the strongest army in Europe.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated in the Bundestag that diplomatic means for resolving the issue of Russia's war against Ukraine have been exhausted. He promised further assistance to Ukraine and criticized Russia for attacks on civilian targets.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans his first visit to China to ease relations after prolonged tension. The trip, expected in October, has symbolic significance for maintaining bilateral relations and restoring contacts.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will open a conference on Ukraine's reconstruction in Rome this week, together with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The event aims to mobilize investments, particularly from the private sector, for Ukraine.

Next week, the UK will host a meeting of the "coalition of the willing" to support Ukraine. President Zelenskyy will join remotely from Rome, where he is participating in a conference.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the transfer of Taurus missiles to Ukraine is being discussed, but the process has not yet begun due to the complexity of training, which lasts six months.

Poland will introduce temporary border controls at its borders with Germany and Lithuania from July 7. This decision is a response to threats related to illegal migration and was made regardless of the reaction of other countries.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned against underestimating the threat Russia poses to Germany, calling the aggression against Ukraine the biggest security threat to Europe. He emphasized the need to increase defense spending and continue supporting Kyiv.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz does not plan talks with Putin, as previous contacts did not lead to de-escalation.

European NATO countries are increasing defense spending but refusing American weapons. This is due to concerns about the policy of Trump, who has already threatened to annex the territory of a European country.

The European Commission is ready to sign a trade agreement with the US but is considering the option of failure. Von der Leyen has received updated proposals on tariffs and promises to defend EU interests.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for increased economic pressure on Moscow, including through sanctions, to force Russia back to the negotiating table. The EU will approve the 18th package of sanctions tomorrow, but Merz emphasizes the need for broader US participation, although US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that Washington is not planning new sanctions yet.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Ukraine is protecting the security of Europe, therefore NATO partners will continue to support it. According to him, a significant strengthening of NATO is a strong result for Ukraine.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that the "coalition of the willing" will continue negotiations in the coming days to coordinate support for Ukraine. The statements were made following the NATO summit, where an increase in defense spending to 5% of GDP was also discussed.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the increase in NATO defense spending is a result of members' "own convictions", and not a favor. NATO leaders plan to officially approve an increase in spending to 5% of GDP, which is attributed to pressure from Donald Trump.