Ukraine, Germany discuss energy, defense industry, EU integration at intergovernmental consultations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held intergovernmental consultations for the first time in more than 20 years, discussing energy, defense cooperation and joint defense production, political coordination, and work with European institutions.
The Ukrainian delegation included First Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration and Communities and Territories Development Minister Oleksiy Kuleba, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, Economy, Environment and Agriculture Minister Oleksiy Soboliev, and Social Policy, Family and Unity Minister Denys Uliutin, the President's Office said on its website.
"The key issues are energy, infrastructure, the development of our communities, and our political interaction, including work with European institutions. It is important that Ukraine's movement toward EU membership be clear and free of blockages. And, of course, the subject of the intergovernmental consultations is defense cooperation and joint defense production," Zelenskyy told journalists after the meeting.
The consultations also covered the documents signed on Tuesday, a significant number of which are aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defense capability and resilience. They cover key areas of support, including defense cooperation, energy and support for people. A substantial part of the discussion focused on a bilateral drone agreement proposed by Ukraine to Germany.
"Our experience can be integrated into the European security system, and our current cooperation with countries in the Middle East and the Gulf, under conditions of constant attacks against them, proves that our experience, our proposals and our drone deals are the most effective," Zelenskyy said.
The parties also discussed Ukraine's EU integration. Merz said Germany supports Ukraine's European aspirations and the opening of negotiating clusters, and is working to overcome all obstacles on that path.
They also discussed support for Ukrainians who were forced to leave their homes because of Russian aggression. Among other things, they talked about opening a Unity Center in Berlin.
Ukrainian-German intergovernmental consultations were last held in 2004. Zelenskyy and Merz agreed to resume this format in May 2025 during the Ukrainian president's visit to Berlin.