German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to provide Ukraine with more air defense and energy support before winter. Merz made the announcement at a press conference in Berlin with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasizing that Germany bears a responsibility to support Ukraine as the outcome of the war will shape European security.
He stressed that Germany's support for Ukraine is in the German and European interest, and called on Russia to end the war. Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine's shortage of air defense systems, including PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles for the Patriot system and IRIS-T systems.
Merz noted that NATO members have agreed to provide 70 billion euros of military support for Ukraine in 2026 and emphasized the importance of each member meeting their pledged commitments. He also suggested that a regional ceasefire at Oleshky could be a model for a broader ceasefire.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin has announced that it will not allow European participation in the upcoming Abu Dhabi talks, which are scheduled to take place on November 10 and 11 with US mediation. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the talks will focus on security guarantees and that these can only be mutual.
Merz is set to host a Coalition of the Willing summit in Berlin on November 19, which will aim to coordinate more aid for Ukraine and align diplomatic efforts. A German-Ukrainian business forum will follow on November 20.