President Zelenskyy held a conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, proposing that Germany participate in the expert review of the draft law on anti-corruption bodies. The situation at the front and the need to finance drone production were also discussed.
The European Union plans to impose 30% tariffs on American goods worth about 100 billion euros if the US follows through on its threat of tariffs after August 1. This will include industrial goods, cars, and whiskey, affecting a third of American exports to the EU.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that a political decision by the G7 is key to the confiscation of frozen Russian assets, most of which are located in Europe. He noted that after such a decision, tools will emerge to use these funds for the benefit of Ukraine.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that Ramstein participants continue to work closely to support Ukraine, including through a new initiative that provides allies with access to purchase American equipment through the Alliance. This initiative will allow European NATO countries to purchase American weapons, including Patriot systems, for further transfer to Ukraine.
Germany will provide Ukraine with two additional Patriot systems, which will be deployed in the coming days. The purchase of long-range Ukrainian-made drones will also be financed.
People's Deputy Fedir Venislavsky stated that Ukraine has a chance to receive a certain number of air defense systems in a short time, although not all of the announced 15-17 complexes. The US has allowed European partners to purchase and transfer air defense systems to Ukraine, which will speed up the process.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed doubt about Ukraine's accession to the European Union by 2034. He noted that Ukraine's reconstruction after the war would be linked to its EU accession process, but this would take several years.
France supports the European Commission's proposal for an EU budget of almost 2 trillion euros for 2028–2034, citing threats from Russia. Germany, Austria, Finland, Sweden, and the Netherlands consider such expenditures excessive and demand a more frugal approach.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer does not rule out London's participation in Germany and the US's talks on arms procurement for Ukraine. Discussions are at an early stage between London, Washington, and European countries.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the delivery of Patriot systems to Ukraine is being discussed, but will take days or weeks. The US has also revised the Patriot supply schedule to accelerate support for Ukraine.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have signed a new treaty providing for mutual assistance in the event of armed attack and joint development of the Deep Precision Strike missile system. The agreement also covers cooperation in trade, transport, and migration, deepening ties after Brexit.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is going on summer vacation with low public support. A YouGov poll shows further strengthening of the far-right "Alternative for Germany" (AfD).
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.
