Germany and Ukraine expand cooperation/ Focus, drones and weapons

2026-05-13 09:46:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius significantly expanded Germany's military cooperation with Ukraine during a visit to Kiev.

The focus is on the joint development of modern drone and weapon systems, new joint ventures in the defense industry, and an intensive exchange of military data and technologies.

"Ukraine and Germany, we are strategic partners," Pistorius said in a meeting with Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Germany is not only supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russia, but is also increasingly committed to long-term cooperation in the defense sector.

Cooperation on drones and training

Pistorius was particularly specific about the planned drone projects. Germany intends to intensify cooperation between German and Ukrainian companies. In particular, the joint development and production of unmanned aerial systems "with different ranges from less than 100 kilometers to 1,500 kilometers" is planned.

The focus will also be on so-called deep strike capabilities, attacks on military targets deep inside an enemy's territory. Pistorius sees significant shortcomings among European NATO states, particularly with regard to long-range weapons systems.

The training of Ukrainian soldiers will also continue. Germany has trained "almost 27,000 Ukrainian soldiers" to date, Pistorius said. This will continue, "even after a ceasefire." The training is "one of several components of possible European security guarantees."

Putin's rejection of Schröder's initiative

At the same time, Pistorius expressed skepticism about Russian President Vladimir Putin's statements that the war may be nearing an end.

"If he sees the end of this war approaching, then he can simply end it ," the Defense Minister said.

Putin could withdraw his troops or offer negotiations without preconditions. Instead, he is making demands again.

"I hope I'm wrong, that this is just another hoax, but it can't be ruled out ," Pistorius continued.

Over the weekend, Putin also floated the idea of ??former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder becoming a potential mediator in talks with Ukraine. The German government immediately rejected the proposal. Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said in Berlin that Putin's comments did not yet represent "any significant progress." Russia has not changed its conditions for negotiations. Such proposals were clearly aimed at dividing public opinion in Germany.

The reaction at the EU level was also strong. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas declared at a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels: "If we were to give Russia the right to appoint a negotiator on our behalf, that would not be very wise." Schröder has been lobbying for Russian state-owned companies.

"Then he would, in a way, be sitting on both sides of the table ," Kallas said.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated briefly: "We do not support this." Several other European foreign ministers expressed doubts about Schröder's suitability as a mediator. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said: "Gerhard Schröder will not represent Europe."

Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger stressed that only the EU, and not Russia, would decide on potential mediators.

Sanctions affect those responsible for child deportations

Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers have agreed to further sanctions against those responsible for Russia's program of forcibly deporting Ukrainian children. The sanctions include asset freezes in the EU and bans on individuals close to the Russian government.

Among the sanctioned individuals are the head of a camp housing Ukrainian minors and institutions responsible for the ideological indoctrination, "Russification" and military education of children.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, around 20,000 Ukrainian children have been taken to Russia or the occupied territories, according to the European Commission. Many of them were forced to change their identity and citizenship and were given up for adoption. Despite international efforts, Ukrainian authorities report that only around 2,100 children have been returned to Ukraine so far.

According to Western military sources, Russia is coming under increasing military pressure. In April, for the first time in several years, the Russian army lost more territory in Ukraine than it was able to regain. At the same time, 35,000 Russian forces are said to have been killed or wounded this month alone. Ukrainian drones are now regularly striking targets far from the front lines. /DW