Germany to Support Ukraine in Producing Long-Range Missiles During Zelenskyy Visit
- The New York Editorial Desk - Arif
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Tone & Political Bias: Center-Leaning
Why: The reporting focuses on official government statements and bilateral agreements without emotive language or partisan framing. It presents positions from both Ukraine and Russia without endorsing either side.
New Missile Cooperation Deal Announced
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Germany will help Ukraine produce long-range missiles during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Berlin on Wednesday. Merz said the two nations’ defense ministers would sign a memorandum of understanding for Ukrainian-made long-range weapons systems. He confirmed there would be no range restrictions, allowing Ukraine to hit targets beyond its own borders.
Zelenskyy confirmed the agreement, adding that it also covers the joint production of drones and other weapons inside Ukraine. He said construction of production facilities was already underway and that Ukraine now seeks to scale them up.
“These new projects already exist,” Zelenskyy told reporters. “We just want them to be in the amount that we need.”
Recent Russian Attacks Undermine Ceasefire Efforts
Zelenskyy’s trip to Berlin comes just days after a round of failed ceasefire talks between Ukrainian and Russian officials. Those negotiations were reportedly pushed forward under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Following the failed talks, Russia launched three nights of aerial assaults on Ukrainian cities. According to Zelenskyy, Moscow has also gathered around 50,000 troops near Ukraine’s northern Sumy region.
Merz said these actions contradict any peace effort. “This is a slap in the face for all those who are struggling for a ceasefire, in Ukraine itself, but also in Europe and the USA,” he stated during the press conference.
Ukraine Expresses Willingness for High-Level Talks
Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s readiness to engage in direct high-level negotiations. He said Ukraine is open to a trilateral meeting with himself, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and U.S. President Trump.
“We are ready to meet at the level of leaders. Both the American side and the Russian side know this,” Zelenskyy said.
He added that Ukraine is open to various formats, including either joint or separate talks.
The Kremlin responded cautiously. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed appreciation for Trump’s mediation but emphasized that Russia would not compromise its national interests.
“There is a big number of nuances to be discussed that can’t be neglected,” Peskov said, hinting at the complexity of future peace talks. He also noted that Russia would soon present its proposed framework for a settlement.
Air Assaults Intensify on Both Sides
While diplomatic conversations continue, the conflict on the ground has intensified. On Tuesday and early Wednesday, Russia claimed it had downed 296 Ukrainian drones across 13 of its regions.
In Moscow, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that 33 drones aimed at the capital were intercepted. The Moscow region’s governor, Andrei Vorobyov, said 42 drones were shot down, with fragments damaging three residential buildings near Troitskoye. No injuries were reported, but flights were delayed or diverted at several airports.
Ukraine’s Air Force said Russian forces launched another attack overnight using five Iskander ballistic missiles, a guided missile, and 88 drones. Ukrainian air defense systems managed to shoot down 34 drones, while 37 were jammed.
Infrastructure and Civilian Targets Hit
Ukraine’s state railway company, Ukrzaliznytsia, reported attacks on railway infrastructure in the Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Sumy regions. In Kharkiv, drone debris temporarily suspended rail traffic. In Donetsk’s Sloviansk region, a station building was damaged, and a train car was slightly hit by debris. No casualties were reported.
These developments come amid growing concerns over both military escalation and the humanitarian impact of continued drone and missile strikes on civilian infrastructure.
Europe Pushes for Stronger Pressure on Russia
Chancellor Merz said that Europe will continue to increase diplomatic and economic pressure on Moscow. He specifically noted efforts to keep the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from becoming operational.
Germany’s decision to support weapons production inside Ukraine marks a significant escalation in its military backing, moving beyond financial aid and arms deliveries to include localized defense manufacturing.
The German-Ukraine partnership underscores a broader trend of Europe stepping up its direct involvement in Ukraine’s defense posture as the war enters its third year with no sign of resolution.
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