Shmyhal, Merz discuss development of joint defense production

Shmyhal said this in a post on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.

“I noted the leadership of Mr. Merz in supporting Ukraine, which he demonstrated at the beginning of the full-scale invasion. He was the first German politician to visit our country at that time. I thanked him for his clear, consistent and strong position on providing Ukraine with weapons and air defense systems,” Shmyhal said.

The interlocutors focused on the issues of military and financial support, as well as the importance of a just end to the war.

“We discussed the development of our joint defense production. We are interested in further expanding the list of projects of German companies in Ukraine, with a particular focus on joint production of weapons, ammunition and equipment. Air defense systems remain a critical aspect of countering Russia's missile and drone attacks,” Shmyhal emphasized.

The parties touched upon the points of the Victory Plan presented by President Volodymyr Zelensky. Shmyhal emphasized that NATO membership is crucial for Ukraine, especially in terms of obtaining long-term security guarantees and achieving lasting peace. He thanked Merz for understanding this position.

“Ukraine anticipates the expeditious and comprehensive implementation of the G7 decision regarding the $50 billion assistance covered by frozen Russian assets. We also expect that all Russian assets will be confiscated in favor of Ukraine's recovery,” Shmyhal stressed.

He thanked Germany for its leadership in all areas and acknowledged Merz's personal support for Ukraine and its European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

As reported, Merz arrived in Kyiv on Monday, December 9. During his meeting with Zelensky, Merz proposed creating a contact group of four countries to develop a common European position on ending the war against Ukraine.