Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to visit Berlin to meet German conservative leader Friedrich Merz, aiming to secure stronger German support for Ukraine’s war efforts against Russia.
The upcoming meeting, which will take place in Berlin, reflects Ukraine’s continued diplomatic push to maintain and expand Western backing amid the prolonged conflict. Zelenskyy’s trip to Germany follows increasing calls from Kyiv for more advanced military aid and a firmer stance against Moscow, particularly from key European nations.
Merz, who heads Germany’s centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has been an outspoken advocate for supporting Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. He has criticized the current coalition government led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz for what he sees as hesitancy in military aid and sanctions enforcement.
Although Merz is not in government, he is considered a powerful political voice and a potential future chancellor. His alignment with Ukraine’s strategic goals could influence German domestic discourse and potentially increase pressure on the ruling coalition to act more decisively.
The Berlin talks are expected to focus on enhancing Ukraine’s defense capabilities, energy infrastructure support, and long-term financial assistance. Zelenskyy is also expected to brief Merz on battlefield developments and reiterate Ukraine’s vision for post-war reconstruction and European integration.
The visit comes at a time when Germany faces growing scrutiny over its defense policy and military exports. While Berlin has supplied tanks, air defense systems, and other military hardware to Ukraine, Kyiv continues to request more advanced systems, including long-range missiles and fighter jets.
Zelenskyy’s team has not released specific details about the meeting’s agenda, but senior Ukrainian officials have indicated that Germany’s leadership in shaping the European Union’s response to Russia remains critical. The Ukrainian president has consistently emphasized that delays or reductions in military aid could embolden Moscow.
Meanwhile, Merz’s CDU party has framed the meeting as a reaffirmation of solidarity with Ukraine and a demonstration of Germany’s broader commitment to European security. Party officials said they welcomed Zelenskyy’s initiative and would use the opportunity to express their continued support.
German public opinion has shown signs of fatigue with the war, and some sectors are pushing for renewed diplomatic efforts. However, analysts note that high-level visits such as this can reinforce bilateral ties and keep Ukraine’s needs at the forefront of European policymaking.
Zelenskyy’s visit to Berlin is part of a broader European tour that includes planned engagements with other key allies. His outreach campaign is aimed at ensuring continued aid flows, strengthening NATO partnerships, and countering what he describes as Russia’s attempts to fracture Western unity.
With fighting intensifying in several eastern regions of Ukraine, the stakes remain high for Kyiv. The Berlin visit may not immediately shift policy, but it signals Ukraine’s intent to keep pressure on its partners and demand unwavering commitment to its cause.
Source; Al Jazeera
