Berlin (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Germany to boost Ukraine’s air defences, provide weapons and training, while sending peacekeeping troops remains uncertain, says a Berlin source.
As reported by The Telegraph, Germany aims to expand Ukraine’s air force to deter Russia, making the country a “porcupine” against Russian attacks.
How did Germany plan to boost Ukraine’s air defences and arm brigades?
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will outline security plans, pledging to equip five Ukrainian brigades at the Coalition of the Willing meeting.
Berlin plans to boost Ukrainian air defences 20% yearly and cooperate on locally made cruise missiles. The five brigades will receive 480 vehicles yearly, while Germany has not pledged troops to monitor any future ceasefire.
German insiders said its support for Ukraine depends on three conditions, including US security backing. Two others are that Russia must take part in negotiations, and Berlin requires coalition consensus and parliamentary backing for the plan.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s views on sending troops to Ukraine
Chancellor Merz warns against rushing to deploy troops to Ukraine, though he does not completely rule out the option.
He said,
“The most important security guarantee we can provide for the moment is sufficient support to the Ukrainian army in efforts to defend the country.”
Mr Merz said a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire is needed before Germany deploys troops, adding that “even then, strict conditions would apply.”
Boris Pistorius’ stance on Ukraine’s defence support
Germany’s Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius, said Berlin will focus on strengthening Ukraine’s army rather than sending troops.
He added,
“All (involved) nations agree that the top priority is to strengthen the Ukrainian armed forces beyond the end of the war. Strengthening the Ukrainian defence industry is a top priority.”
What are European leaders discussing about Ukraine in Paris?
European nations convened in Paris to strengthen Ukraine’s security amid international efforts for peace.
French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Ukrainian President Zelensky and leaders from 30 countries at the Thursday “Coalition of the Willing” summit.
Mr Zelensky will hold a phone call with US President Donald Trump at 1 pm UK time, following Trump’s recent diplomatic engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
Emmanuel Macron’s views on Europe’s support for Ukraine
Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to Ukraine during Zelensky’s visit to Paris for today’s security talks.
Earlier this week, he said,
“We are ready—we, the Europeans—to offer the security guarantees to Ukraine and Ukrainians the day that a peace [deal] is signed.”
The French president described the security guarantees as highly confidential, adding that all preparations had been finalised.
Donald Trump’s views on the Russia-Ukraine peace deal
Donald Trump affirmed he is determined to achieve a peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine.
He stated,
“Something is going to happen, but they are not ready yet. But something is going to happen.”
Mr Trump added,
“Frankly, the Russia one, I thought, would have been on the easier side of the ones I’ve stopped, but it seems to be something that’s a little bit more difficult than some of the others.”
What did Keir Starmer say about trusting Putin in Ukraine talks?
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warned leaders at the Ukraine summit that Vladimir Putin cannot be trusted to pursue peace.
He said,
“That was further underlined by the indiscriminate attacks in Kyiv last week, causing significant damage to the British Council and EU delegation buildings.”
Referring to the Paris summit, a prime minister’s official spokesperson stated,
“Discussing the latest military planning for the Coalition of the Willing, the Prime Minister emphasised that the group had an unbreakable pledge to Ukraine, with President Trump’s backing, and it was clear they now needed to go even further to apply pressure on Putin to secure a cessation of hostilities.”
They added,
“The Prime Minister also welcomed announcements from Coalition of the Willing partners to supply long range missiles to Ukraine to further bolster the country’s supplies.”
Key facts about the Ukraine-Russia war
The Russia-Ukraine War began in February 2014, with Russia annexing Crimea and supporting separatists, escalating to a full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Both sides have suffered heavy military losses, with over 100,000 casualties estimated and Ukraine reporting 43,000 deaths by 2024. Civilian deaths verified by the UN reached 13,341 by May 2025, though the true number is likely higher.