Germany is set to propose measures to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences as part of future security guarantees during a meeting of Kyiv’s allies on Thursday, according to a government source who spoke to AFP.
Berlin has long been the largest military aid supplier to Ukraine after the United States, providing weaponry, training, and logistical support. However, it has so far avoided committing to sending peacekeeping troops.
A German government source outlined the planned package, which would include:
| Support Area | Details |
| Air Defences | Aim to increase Ukraine’s air defence capability by 20% per year, both in number of systems and operational effectiveness. |
| Offensive Capabilities | Bolstering Ukraine’s long-range offensive weapons, including cruise missiles, which could be manufactured in Ukraine with financial and technological support. |
| Mechanised Brigades | Provision of equipment for four mechanised infantry brigades, including hundreds of infantry fighting vehicles. |
| Training | Continued training of Ukrainian soldiers and integration of arms production between Ukraine and Europe. |
The German source specified three conditions for the proposal:
- US participation in offering security guarantees.
- Russia’s involvement in negotiations.
- Consensus within Germany’s coalition government and approval from the German parliament.
The plan aligns with a report from Der Spiegel, confirming Germany’s commitment to increasing the quantity and effectiveness of Ukraine’s air defence systems.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that deploying German peacekeeping troops to Ukraine is premature, although not entirely ruled out.
“The most important security guarantee we can provide for the moment is sufficient support to the Ukrainian army in efforts to defend the country,” Merz said on Tuesday.
Merz explained that a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine would be a prerequisite for any troop deployment, and even then, strict conditions would apply.
The Allies’ Meeting
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attended Thursday’s Paris meeting of the “coalition of the willing” in person.
- The coalition, composed of 30 mainly European countries, seeks to demonstrate to US President Donald Trump that it is prepared to provide security guarantees to Ukraine, contingent on sufficient US support and pressure on Russia.
- Chancellor Merz and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are expected to join remotely via videoconference.
Germany’s proposal reflects a careful balance: providing substantial military aid while avoiding direct combat involvement, signalling continued European commitment to Ukraine’s defence amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
