The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine discussed strengthening defence cooperation with Nils Schmid, State Parliamentary Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Defence of Germany
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, held a meeting in Berlin with Nils Schmid, State Parliamentary Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Defence of the Federal Republic of Germany. During the conversation, the parties focused on key security issues that determine Ukraine's defence capability and the stability of Europe as a whole.
Ruslan Stefanchuk noted that Ukraine and Germany already have successful experience of military cooperation, including the training of Ukrainian military personnel in Germany, the supply of air defence systems, artillery and combat vehicles, as well as support within the PURL initiative. At the same time, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada stressed that in the current conditions this is not enough and new solutions are needed that will yield results on the battlefield right now.
During the meeting, three key areas of joint work were identified. First of all, it was about strengthening the capabilities of the Ukrainian Defence Forces, in particular the development of air defence systems, artillery, countering drones and protecting the Black Sea. The parties agreed on the need to strengthen Ukraine's defence capabilities as soon as possible, while russia continues its massive missile and drone strikes on our territory.
Special attention was paid to the exchange of military experience and personnel training. Ruslan Stefanchuk thanked the German side for its systematic work in training Ukrainian military personnel and stressed the importance of expanding such programmes, particularly in the field of air defence. He also proposed considering the possibility of creating joint programmes to train Ukrainian crews on new-generation high-precision weapons.
The third area of focus was the deepening of defence-industrial cooperation. Ruslan Stefanchuk and Nils Schmid discussed the launch of joint production projects in the fields of drones, ammunition and electronic warfare. The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada emphasised that the partnership between the defence industries of Ukraine and Germany should reach a new level — production not only for Ukraine, but also together with Ukraine for the common security of Europe.
Summing up the meeting, Ruslan Stefanchuk stressed that he had received a clear assurance from Nils Schmid that Germany would continue to support Ukraine as long as necessary. This support has a concrete manifestation, as German weapons save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers on the front line every day.
Ukraine and Germany remain reliable partners, united by a common goal — strengthening security, peace and democracy in Europe.