France and Germany to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense

This commitment was emphasized in a joint statement by the two key EU member states, Ukrinform reports, referring to Barron’s.

According to the report, on Friday, August 29, French President Emmanuel Macron hosted German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Toulon, France. The leaders held a Franco-German Defense and Security Council meeting, after which they issued a joint statement.

“France and Germany will provide additional air defense to Ukraine," they said.

"Despite intensive international diplomatic efforts, Russia shows no intention to end its war of aggression against Ukraine," they added.

France and Germany agreed that funding for both short-term and long-term European military support for Ukraine must be increased. They also emphasize that Ukraine should play an active role in strengthening the EU's Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB). The statement affirms their strong support for the goal of Ukraine’s swift integration into this framework.

The two countries added that France, the only nuclear-armed state in the EU, and Germany will initiate a “strategic dialogue” on nuclear deterrence in light of shared security challenges.

The goal will be developing a "common strategic culture, and to further interlinking our security and defence objectives and strategies," they said.

The two countries noted that nuclear deterrence was a "cornerstone" of NATO security.

As previously reported by Ukrinform, on August 21, Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko stressed that Ukraine urgently needs additional air defense systems and interceptor missiles to protect civilians and partner infrastructure.

Photo: dpa