German Chancellor Friedrich Merz promised Ukraine more air defense and energy support before winter at a Berlin press conference with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this week, but announced no new weapons package. Merz said "two things are important before the coming winter: air defense and the energy sector," in the Chancellery's transcript (translated from the German).
As Ukraine's largest supporter, Germany bears a responsibility, because the outcome of the war will also shape the security of Europe. "Our support for Ukraine is therefore in the German and European interest," Merz emphasized. The message to Russia is: " It is time to end this war."
Zelenskyy named what Kyiv is short of: PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles for the Patriot system, IRIS-T systems, and a new support package for Ukraine's F-16 fleet. He described a major shortage in air defense.
Merz put the weight on partners paying what they have already pledged. He said NATO members agreed on 70 billion euros of military support for Ukraine in 2026 and that every one of them has to meet that figure.
He also pointed to the regional ceasefire at Oleshky as a possible model for a ceasefire on energy and in the Black Sea. Zelenskyy said Russia answered that pause with fresh attacks.
On the diplomacy, Merz said Russia must negotiate a ceasefire and peace deal in earnest, and added "I do not see that so far." Zelenskyy said the United States and Russia cannot decide whether Ukraine joins the European Union, and listed his asks for t
