Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Berlin Wednesday for high-level talks with newly appointed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in order to secure increased military aid and political backing as his nation grapples with Russian offensives and an uncertain outlook from Washington. Financial Times +5 AP News = BostonGlobe.com. Germany, already the second-largest military supporter for Ukraine after the US, has signaled an aggressive shift under Merz’s leadership. Notably, Merz recently eased restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons supplied by Germany that allow strikes into Russian territory–an action which has drawn criticism from Moscow yet demonstrates Berlin’s changing policy. BostonGlobe.com +3 AP News +3 ABC News +3 Financial Times and Reuters also published coverage. The meeting takes place against an uncertain geopolitical backdrop. U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent declarations about ending Ukraine conflict quickly have put additional urgency behind Zelenskyy’s European diplomacy as he seeks to guarantee continued support regardless of U.S. involvement. Zelenskyy stressed Ukraine’s need for advanced weaponry during these talks, including long-range Taurus cruise missiles that had previously been withheld by former Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Additionally, he highlighted the necessity of increasing domestic weapons production to combat Russia’s drone and missile capabilities; an estimated $30 billion investment is necessary in strengthening Ukraine’s defense industry. Discussions also touched upon the broader strategic ramifications of Ukraine’s conflict. Merz framed it as a threat to Europe’s post-1990 political order and stressed the necessity of continued and intensified support for Ukraine. Although Germany generally pursues an approach of maintaining strategic ambiguity when it comes to arms deliveries, Germany’s decision to lift range restrictions marks an important shift. On the ground, however, conditions remain perilous. Russia has amassed more than 50,000 troops near Ukraine’s Sumy region to establish a buffer zone and has captured several border villages. Ukraine managed to push back Russian forces 4 km near Kostiantynivka; however a larger offensive could still take place – ABC News reports. Though facing challenges, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko reiterated Ukraine’s readiness to engage in peace negotiations with both Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting a three-way summit. Unfortunately, Russia’s demands – such as stopping NATO expansion and partial sanctions relief – have hindered progress. AP News As the conflict progresses, Zelenskyy’s visit to Berlin serves as a reminder of how vital European allies are in supporting Ukraine’s defense and sovereignty. These talks could determine the trajectory of war as well as regional stability over time.
