Germany has emerged as a pivotal player in supporting Ukraine against Russia’s aggression, unveiling a €5 billion aid package and a groundbreaking agreement for joint long-range weapons production during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Berlin on May 28, 2025. Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s bold moves signal a new era of military-industrial cooperation, but is Germany truly prepared to defend Ukraine? And why is Berlin adopting such an aggressive stance on the Ukraine issue?
Germany’s €5 Billion Commitment: A Game-Changer for Ukraine
During Zelenskyy’s visit, Germany pledged €5 billion ($5.7 billion) in military aid, including funding for air defense systems, artillery, and satellite communications, with a significant focus on joint production of long-range weapons. Chancellor Merz described this as “a new form of military-industrial cooperation” between Germany and Ukraine, with production facilities planned in both countries. The German Defense Ministry confirmed that a “significant” number of these weapons systems will be manufactured by the end of 2025, with the first batch deployable within weeks. This package builds on Germany’s earlier contributions, which total approximately €28 billion in military aid since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, making Berlin Ukraine’s second-largest military donor after the United States.
Joint Weapons Production: A Strategic Leap Forward
The agreement, signed by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, includes direct German investment in Ukraine’s defense industry and partnerships with German arms manufacturers. This collaboration aims to produce long-range weapons systems, such as rockets and cruise missiles, with ranges up to 2,500 km, enabling Ukraine to strike Russian military targets deep inside enemy territory. Merz emphasized that this partnership taps into Ukraine’s industrial expertise while strengthening Germany’s defense sector, potentially creating a sustainable model for future cooperation. However, Merz remained tight-lipped about supplying Germany’s advanced Taurus long-range cruise missiles, a long-standing request from Kyiv, citing the need for confidentiality in arms discussions.
Why Is Germany So Aggressive on the Ukraine Issue?
Germany’s aggressive stance on Ukraine stems from a combination of strategic, geopolitical, and domestic factors:
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- Countering Russian Aggression: Chancellor Merz has sharply criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling recent missile and drone attacks on Kyiv “a slap in the face” to peace efforts. With Russia intensifying its offensive, including amassing 50,000 troops in Ukraine’s Sumy region, Germany sees robust support for Ukraine as essential to deterring further Russian advances and protecting European security.
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- Filling the U.S. Void: Uncertainty over U.S. support under President Donald Trump, who has prioritized a negotiated peace and criticized extensive aid to Ukraine, has pushed Germany to step up as a leading European supporter. Merz’s commitment reflects Germany’s ambition to lead Europe’s defense efforts, especially as the U.S. scales back its $66.5 billion military assistance.
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- Domestic Political Dynamics: Merz, who assumed office after the February 2025 elections, has shifted Germany’s tone from the cautious approach of his predecessor, Olaf Scholz. While Scholz faced criticism for blocking a €3 billion aid package due to fiscal concerns, Merz’s conservative government leverages increased defense spending as a political asset to appeal to voters and allies.
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- Strengthening European Security: Germany views Ukraine’s defense as integral to Europe’s stability. The European Union, including Germany, has committed over $158 billion in aid to Ukraine since 2022, with Germany contributing significantly to the European Peace Facility (EPF). Berlin’s leadership in joint weapons production aligns with broader EU efforts to bolster defense capabilities amid rising global tensions.
Is Germany Fully Prepared? Strengths and Challenges
Germany’s commitment is robust, but its preparedness to fully defend Ukraine faces challenges:
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- Strengths: Germany’s €5 billion package, combined with its €28 billion in prior aid, demonstrates significant financial and military capacity. The joint production of long-range weapons and the supply of air defense systems like IRIS-T and Patriot, along with training for over 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers, showcase Berlin’s logistical and industrial strength. The PAF’s integration of advanced technologies further enhances Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities.
- Challenges: Germany’s reluctance to supply Taurus missiles, due to domestic concerns about escalating the conflict, limits its support for Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities. Additionally, Germany’s military readiness is strained, with reports indicating that its 2022 pledge to provide NATO with two divisions by 2025 faces setbacks, requiring an estimated €250 billion annual defense spending increase to meet regional threats. Domestic political divisions and public protests against arms deliveries also pose hurdles.
Geopolitical Implications: A New Era of Cooperation
Germany’s aggressive support for Ukraine, including joint weapons production, signals a shift toward deeper European-Ukrainian defense ties. By financing Ukraine’s defense industry and establishing repair facilities, Germany is helping Kyiv build self-sufficiency while avoiding accusations of warmongering at home. This approach aligns with Merz’s diplomatic push for a negotiated peace, as he and Zelenskyy emphasized exploring talks in Geneva, despite Putin’s apparent reluctance to end the conflict. The partnership also strengthens Germany’s role within NATO and the EU, positioning it as a leader in countering Russian aggression.
The Taurus Missile Debate: A Lingering Question
The question of supplying Taurus missiles, capable of penetrating reinforced targets, remains unresolved. While Merz has lifted range restrictions on Western-supplied weapons, his refusal to confirm Taurus deliveries suggests caution due to domestic skepticism and fears of escalation. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some praising Germany’s support and others, like Russian official Maria Zakharova, dismissing Merz’s statements as posturing. Ukraine’s push for these missiles continues, as they could significantly enhance its ability to target Russian infrastructure.
Germany’s Bold but Measured Approach
Germany is strongly positioned to defend Ukraine through its €5 billion aid package, joint weapons production, and leadership in European security. Its aggressive stance is driven by the need to counter Russian aggression, fill the U.S. aid gap, and assert geopolitical influence. However, challenges like the Taurus missile debate and domestic constraints highlight that Germany’s preparedness is not absolute. By balancing military support with diplomatic efforts, Germany is shaping a resilient future for Ukraine and European stability.
