Merz: Ukrainian army to be equipped with long-range fire systems

2025-11-20 09:12:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said Germany is ready to provide further military assistance to Ukraine. His statement comes after Russia's latest attacks, which Merz described as a war of terror against the civilian population.

He also announced that the Ukrainian army will be equipped with long-range fire systems, without providing further details.

"We want to do everything we can to improve Ukraine's air defense. In recent months, we have been intensively discussing with the Ukrainian government the possibility of implementing long-range fire plans, as we technically call them. The Ukrainian army will be equipped with such systems. We have agreed that we will not speak publicly about the details anymore, because we believe that some clarity is also necessary for the Russian side regarding the extent of the military support we provide," Merz said during a press conference he gave earlier this evening with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

Merz added that Germany will allocate an additional three billion euros next year for military support for Ukraine, with the clear condition that the country remains a reliable partner. Referring to the recent corruption scandal within the Ukrainian government, the Chancellor stressed that real and ruthless action against corruption is needed, which he said is necessary for Ukraine and its European perspective.

Friedrich Merz also reiterated the call for European partners to reach an agreement on the use of frozen Russian assets before the end of the year.

"This is the strongest weapon of pressure to bring Moscow to the negotiating table and finally end this terrible war," the Chancellor said. /CNA