Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Visits Germany to Secure Anti-Russian Aggression Aid

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Visits Germany to Secure Anti-Russian Aggression Aid
[Berlin, May 28, 2025] — (AP Report)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Germany’s new Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Wednesday. The visit comes in the wake of recent Russian bombings and is aimed at securing additional military assistance for Ukraine.

Germany is currently Ukraine’s second-largest military supporter after the United States. Since taking office, Chancellor Merz has played an active role in diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire and has urged European nations to maintain a united stance. European leaders are blaming Russian President Vladimir Putin for delaying peace negotiations.

As part of the ongoing diplomatic efforts, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is scheduled to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington.

Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy has stated that he is prepared to participate in a trilateral peace summit involving himself, Vladimir Putin, and Donald Trump. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that peace negotiations involve many delicate matters of national interest that cannot be ignored. He added that Russia will soon present a framework for a peace agreement.

German Military Aid: New Announcements and Strategic Ambiguity

Chancellor Merz announced that there would no longer be any restrictions on the types of weapons Germany can provide to Ukraine. However, the government has yet to clarify whether it will supply Taurus cruise missiles, which have a range of around 500 kilometers and can strike targets inside Russia and in the Black Sea region.

While former Chancellor Scholz had been reluctant to supply such weapons, Merz has supported their delivery since his time in the opposition. The current German government is maintaining "strategic uncertainty" by withholding details about the weapon deliveries.

Ukraine’s Demand and the Drone War

Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine requires at least $30 billion in additional funding to boost the production of drones and missiles, citing that Russia is currently manufacturing 300–350 drones per day. Ukraine is appealing for European investment to strengthen its own production capacity.

Frontline Warfare: Ukraine Outnumbered

Combat continues along a roughly 1,000-kilometer frontline. Russia is deploying about 45,000 troops each month, while Ukraine is only able to mobilize between 25,000 and 27,000. This imbalance is driving Ukraine to intensify its deep-strike operations.

On Sunday, Russia launched its largest drone attack yet against Ukraine. From Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, Ukraine carried out a counterattack. According to Russia’s Ministry of Defense, 296 Ukrainian drones were shot down. In Moscow, 33 drones were downed, and another 42 in the surrounding region. Though three buildings were damaged in one village, no casualties were reported. Moscow's airports delayed or diverted hundreds of flights.

On the other hand, Russia struck Ukraine with five Iskander ballistic missiles, one air-launched missile, and 88 drones. Ukraine reported destroying 34 drones and jamming another 37.