{"id":1882389,"date":"2026-04-14T08:07:39","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T05:07:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1882389"},"modified":"2026-04-14T08:07:39","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T05:07:39","slug":"drones-and-ai-how-technology-is-changing-warfare","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1882389","title":{"rendered":"Drones and AI: How technology is changing warfare"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/75170470_6.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"s1sfzv1a sk6xmai\">\n<div class=\"content-area sa7l9jt s9mg977\">\n<section data-tracking-name=\"sharing-icons-inline\" class=\"c75t7t0 hh5424a in-line closed\">\n<div class=\"copy-button-wrapper closed\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5C7UV<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<figure class=\"s4bcs45\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/75170470_800.webp 50w, https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/75170470_801.webp 129w, https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/75170470_802.webp 352w, https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/75170470_803.webp 575w\" media=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 575px)\" height=\"100\" width=\"100\" \/><figcaption class=\"c1oedowi lofg86o m4xla6a s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">Ukrainian President Zelenskyy last visited Berlin in December 2025 for this meeting with German Chancellor Merz<small class=\"copyright c19ed66t ihwmx5 idu7i8u lxmvniw icns9en rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">Image: Maryam Majd\/AP Photo\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-live-blog-rich-text-overview\" id=\"live-blog-rich-text-overview\" class=\"c1800ln sq3xutt atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-ukraine-discuss-drone-deal-as-merz-hosts-zelenskyy\/live-76770415#post-live-blog-rich-text-overview\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section What you need to know<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"c2fyhwl ctymiyf content-block i1if36d6 i1ytahzz\">\n<h2 class=\"cp7bjxx h1du6kc5 lt5vbch pohyj9x s16w0xvi m1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z\">What you need to know<\/h2>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<ul>\n<li>German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Europe had to be involved in any peace\u00a0deal the US and Russia make on Ukraine<\/li>\n<li>Ukrainian President Volodymr\u00a0Zelenskyy said\u00a0the leaders discussed a European anti-ballistic program, and a bilateral drone deal<\/li>\n<li>Zelenskyy insisted Kyiv was not after &#8220;EU-or NATO-light&#8221; membership<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Read DW&#8217;s coverage of the first government consultations between<\/em><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a><em>\u00a0and Ukraine\u00a0on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. You can catch up on Monday&#8217;s Germany news <\/em><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-merz-says-fuel-tax-lowered-to-ease-price-surge\/live-76759123\">here<\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"s1ogwy7c ev9ivjh\">\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76780522\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-ukraine-discuss-drone-deal-as-merz-hosts-zelenskyy\/live-76770415#post-liveblog-post-76780522\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section New advice center for Ukrainians in Berlin<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/14\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 14, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">New advice center for Ukrainians in Berlin<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>A new consultation center has been opened in <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/berlin\/t-18967759\">Berlin<\/a> to provide advice and counsel for Ukrainians living in the German capital who would like to return home.<\/p>\n<p>German Interior Minister <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/alexander-dobrindt\/t-72493833\">Alexander Dobrindt<\/a> opened the so-called &#8220;Unity Hub&#8221; alongside the Ukrainian Minister of Social Policy, Denys Uliutin, on Tuesday as part of inter-governmental consultations between the German and Ukrainian governments.<\/p>\n<p>Dobrindt said the center was intended to function as a &#8220;connecting element to the homeland&#8221; for Ukrainians which could &#8220;provide answers to all questions regarding a future in <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine\/t-17295382\">Ukraine<\/a>.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Uliutin said the Berlin center was to be one of many across Europe aimed at bringing Ukrainian refugees together as a &#8220;community&#8221; and retaining links with Ukraine.<\/p>\n<p>While the German Interior Ministry said the principal aim of the center was to &#8220;increase connections to Ukraine and encourage a desire to return,&#8221; the institutions would also offer help on integration in <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a>, including language lessons, cultural offers and assistance in finding work.<\/p>\n<p>As of February 2026, around 1.16 million <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine-russia-war-germany-refugees-young-men-protection\/a-74562374\">Ukrainians<\/a> live in Germany, around 60,000 of them in Berlin.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5CA7W<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76779807\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-ukraine-discuss-drone-deal-as-merz-hosts-zelenskyy\/live-76770415#post-liveblog-post-76779807\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Zelenskyy: Ukraine could double arms production if provided with funds<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/14\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 14, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Zelenskyy: Ukraine could double arms production if provided with funds<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Ukrainian President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">Volodymyr Zelenskyy<\/a> says Ukraine has the capacity to double its own domestic arms production \u2014\u00a0if provided with the proper funding.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine\/t-17295382\">Ukraine<\/a> already produces most of its own weapons in its fight against the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/russias-war-in-ukraine\/t-60931789\">ongoing Russian invasion<\/a>, but Zelenskyy noted in Berlin on Tuesday that production could be doubled if Ukraine had sufficient funds.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The majority of the weapons Ukraine uses for various operations \u2014\u00a0from strikes against targets in the hinterland and fighting on the front line to air defense \u2014\u00a0are now manufactured in Ukraine,&#8221; Zelenskyy said at a press conference alongside German Chancellor <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Friedrich Merz<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>However, he also said: &#8220;We simply don&#8217;t have the money, but we did discuss this to some extent today.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Much-needed additional funds are expected\u00a0to be freed up for Ukraine following the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/hungary\/t-19110577\">electoral defeat<\/a> this weekend of Hungarian Prime Minister <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/viktor-orban\/t-38337120\">Viktor Orban<\/a>, the right-wing populist and <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/russia\/t-19065060\">Moscow<\/a> ally who had been blocking a \u20ac90 billion ($105 billion) European Union loan to Kyiv.<\/p>\n<p>Ukraine has said it intends to invest at least two thirds of that sum directly in its armed forces.<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Drones and AI: How technology is changing warfare\" class=\"headline\">Drones and AI: How technology is changing warfare<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-72565169\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"72565169\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/72558306_605.webp\" data-duration=\"12:34\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/she\/she250516_GesamtNEU_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5C9vz<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76779306\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-ukraine-discuss-drone-deal-as-merz-hosts-zelenskyy\/live-76770415#post-liveblog-post-76779306\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Germany and Ukraine announce energy, raw materials cooperation<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/14\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 14, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Germany and Ukraine announce energy, raw materials cooperation<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a> and <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine\/t-17295382\">Ukraine<\/a> have signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) \u200bto boost cooperation \u200bon mineral resources and \u200benergy \u200csecurity.<\/p>\n<p>German Economy and Energy Minister <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/katherina-reiche\/t-72492987\">Katherina Reiche<\/a> and \u200cher \u2060Ukrainian \u2060counterpart signed the agreements during government consultations in Berlin \u200con Tuesday, the \u200cGerman Economy Ministry said.<\/p>\n<p>The two countries also agreed \u200bto establish a new working \u2060group on \u200beconomic and \u200btrade issues, and \u200badopted \u200ca joint declaration to deepen \u200bbilateral \u2060ties \u200bamid the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/russias-war-in-ukraine\/t-60931789\">ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5C9nu<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76777739\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-ukraine-discuss-drone-deal-as-merz-hosts-zelenskyy\/live-76770415#post-liveblog-post-76777739\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section WATCH DW&#8217;s full coverage of Zelenskyy&#8217;s visit to Berlin<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/14\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 14, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">WATCH DW&#8217;s full coverage of Zelenskyy&#8217;s visit to Berlin<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>You can watch all the news, analysis and the press conference in full again in our YouTube stream below.<\/p>\n<div class=\"embed yt-wrapper\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5C9Od<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76777476\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-ukraine-discuss-drone-deal-as-merz-hosts-zelenskyy\/live-76770415#post-liveblog-post-76777476\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Germany must be involved in peace talks, Merz says <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/14\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 14, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Germany must be involved in peace talks, Merz says <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>German Chancellor Friedrich Merz insisted that Europe must be directly involved in any peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, as US\u2011mediated talks remain stalled.<\/p>\n<p>At the press conference\u00a0in Berlin, Merz said no deal could be reached \u201cover the heads of Europeans,\u201d stressing Germany\u2019s role as Ukraine\u2019s largest supporter.<\/p>\n<p>Berlin also wants a seat at the table in shaping Ukraine\u2019s post\u2011war order, including economic reconstruction.<\/p>\n<p>Zelenskyy agreed that Europe must be part of the process, accusing Russia of continuing to delay peace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5C9KO<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76776772\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-ukraine-discuss-drone-deal-as-merz-hosts-zelenskyy\/live-76770415#post-liveblog-post-76776772\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section The impressions of DW&#8217;s correspondent at the press briefing<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/14\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 14, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">The impressions of DW&#8217;s correspondent at the press briefing<\/h2>\n<div class=\"a9wq4ao author-details\"><span><span class=\"extra-info lxmvniw m4xla6a s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"> in Berlin<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Wearing a simple black suit, black shirt and black sneakers, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stood at the podium during a press conference at the Chancellery in Berlin. His expression was impassive, his gaze fixed somewhere in the distance.<\/p>\n<p>Zelenskyy listened quietly as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reiterated his assurance that Ukraine belongs in the European Union and should one day become a member. \u201cBut we both know that this will not happen anytime soon,\u201d Merz added, glancing toward his guest.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>For Zelenskyy, protecting the country\u2019s energy and transport infrastructure ahead of the coming winter was more critical in the short-term. Pressure on Russia to agree to peace must also be increased.<\/p>\n<p>During the exchange, the Ukrainian president\u2019s expression briefly softened. He said he was confident the European Union would now be able to disburse a promised \u20ac90 billion loan to Ukraine.\u00a0An agreement, he said, could be reached as early as next week\u2019s informal EU summit in Cyprus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5C992<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76776715\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-ukraine-discuss-drone-deal-as-merz-hosts-zelenskyy\/live-76770415#post-liveblog-post-76776715\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Merz calls for &#8216;lasting peace&#8217; and EU membership for Ukraine<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/14\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 14, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Merz calls for &#8216;lasting peace&#8217; and EU membership for Ukraine<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>German Chancellor <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Friedrich Merz<\/a> has called for a &#8220;lasting peace&#8221; for <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine\/t-17295382\">Ukraine<\/a> and expressed his support of Kyiv&#8217;s aim of <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/european-union-eu\/t-17440066\">European Union<\/a> membership.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;<a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a> supports this goal,&#8221; he said following talks with Ukrainian President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">Volodymyr Zelenskyy<\/a> in Berlin, adding though that it wouldn&#8217;t happen &#8220;anytime soon.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Calling on Zelenskyy to continue to push for reforms to combat corruption and strengthen democracy in Ukraine, Merz said: &#8220;It&#8217;s worth the effort. Every step in this direction is a step towards Europe.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Merz said Ukraine&#8217;s accession to the EU would be a &#8220;strategically important step for more security and greater prosperity in Europe.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Zelenskyy, however, rejected a diminished partnership, saying that Ukraine did not need an &#8220;EU-light&#8221; or a &#8220;NATO-light&#8221; membership.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5C987<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76776631\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-ukraine-discuss-drone-deal-as-merz-hosts-zelenskyy\/live-76770415#post-liveblog-post-76776631\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Germany and Ukraine agree defense and reconstruction cooperation<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/14\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 14, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Germany and Ukraine agree defense and reconstruction cooperation<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a> and <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine\/t-17295382\">Ukraine<\/a> have signed a series of cooperation agreements on defense and reconstruction, with Berlin reiterating its support for Kyiv in its fight against the ongoing <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/russias-war-in-ukraine\/t-60931789\">Russian invasion<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The agreements came following talks between German Chancellor <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Friedrich Merz<\/a> and Ukrainian President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">Volodymyr Zelenskyy<\/a>, plus cabinet ministers from both countries, in Berlin on Tuesday morning.<\/p>\n<p>Chancellor Merz said the two countries have agreed to collaborate on the design and production of drones as well as on &#8220;digital battlefield data technology,&#8221; adding that close cooperation with Ukraine is of benefit to Germany&#8217;s own security.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We benefit from the Ukrainian army&#8217;s resilience,&#8221; he said, insisting that &#8220;Russia has no chance of winning this war.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5C96l<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76775211\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-ukraine-discuss-drone-deal-as-merz-hosts-zelenskyy\/live-76770415#post-liveblog-post-76775211\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Germany wants young Ukranian men to return<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/14\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 14, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Germany wants young Ukranian men to return<\/h2>\n<div class=\"a9wq4ao author-details\"><span><span class=\"extra-info lxmvniw m4xla6a s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"> in Berlin<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Not far from the Chancellery in Berlin, the German armed forces are advertising\u00a0for new recruits, urging young men and women to enlist. Germany does not currently have a military draft, but since <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/russias-war-in-ukraine\/t-60931789\">Russia&#8217;s full-scale invasion of Ukraine<\/a>, politicians in Berlin have been seeking to strengthen the country&#8217;s defense capabilities.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76776361\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76776361_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"A poster of a soldier in uniform on an advertising board in Berlin, reading: &quot;Defend tomorrow's peace today&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">&#8220;Defend tomorrow&#8217;s peace today&#8221;: Germany&#8217;s Bundeswehr is conducting a recruitment drive<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Bernd Riegert\/DW<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Ukraine, by contrast, operates a conscription system. Since last September, men aged 25 and over have been subject to a draft. In the months since the rule came into force, thousands of Ukrainian men under 25 have taken the opportunity to leave the war\u2011torn country. <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine-russia-war-germany-refugees-young-men-protection\/a-74562374\">Many have ended up in Berlin, where they register as refugees.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>During his talks with\u00a0 Zelenskyy, <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-chancellor-ukraine-russia-war-refugee-men\/a-74789775\">Chancellor Merz complained that these arrivals must be curbed<\/a>. Ukraine has promised to address the issue, but with limited success so far. From the German government&#8217;s perspective, it is in Ukraine&#8217;s own interest to keep men aged 18 to 25 in the country to fill the ranks of its army.<\/p>\n<p>In Germany, Ukrainians fleeing the war are granted refugee status and receive social benefits similar to those provided to asylum seekers, including accommodation and food. They are also allowed to take up employment immediately \u2014 a key difference from other asylum seekers, who often must wait several months before being permitted to work.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5C8jr<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76774522\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-ukraine-discuss-drone-deal-as-merz-hosts-zelenskyy\/live-76770415#post-liveblog-post-76774522\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Drones and defense on the table at the Chancellery<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/14\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 14, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Drones and defense on the table at the Chancellery<\/h2>\n<div class=\"a9wq4ao author-details\"><span><span class=\"extra-info lxmvniw m4xla6a s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"> in Berlin<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76774661\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76774661_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Drones on the steps of the Chancellery\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Ukraine has made great advances in military drone technology<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Bernd Riegert\/DW<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Following a military reception for <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">President Zelenskyy<\/a> by the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/bundeswehr\/t-17430904\"><em>Bundeswehr<\/em><\/a>&#8216;s honor guard in the courtyard of the Chancellery, the security focus continued inside. On the grand entrance staircase, German and Ukrainian defense companies had displayed several drone models, which <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Chancellor Merz<\/a> and his guest briefly inspected.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine\/t-17295382\">Ukraine<\/a> has made rapid advances in drone technology over the four years of war with Russia. The <em>Bundeswehr<\/em>, Germany&#8217;s armed forces, plans to significantly expand its own drone capabilities in the coming years. From Berlin&#8217;s perspective, cooperation with Kyiv is a logical next step.<\/p>\n<p>Under the plans, German companies could produce Ukrainian-designed drones under license and supply them to Ukraine, while Ukrainian experts would contribute their operational experience. A joint drone production facility by German defense firm <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-rheinmetall-opens-new-artillery-ammunition-factory\/a-73785438\">Rheinmetall<\/a> is already being established in Ukraine.<\/p>\n<p>Zelenskyy and Merz are expected to sign the relevant memoranda of understanding later.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5C8Yk<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76774263\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-ukraine-discuss-drone-deal-as-merz-hosts-zelenskyy\/live-76770415#post-liveblog-post-76774263\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section What&#8217;s on the agenda for the Germany-Ukraine talks?<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/14\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 14, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">What&#8217;s on the agenda for the Germany-Ukraine talks?<\/h2>\n<div class=\"a9wq4ao author-details\"><span><span class=\"extra-info lxmvniw m4xla6a s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"> in Berlin<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Five helicopters landed on the lawn behind Germany&#8217;s Chancellery, carrying Ukrainian President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">Volodymyr Zelenskyy<\/a> and several members of his Cabinet. The delegation arrived in Berlin for wide\u2011ranging consultations with German ministers responsible for defense, agriculture, interior affairs, development aid and the economy.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76773757\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76773757_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hugs Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Chancellery with photographers looking on\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">German Chancellor Friedrich Merz gave Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a warm welcome at the Chancellery<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Axel Schmidt\/REUTERS<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The talks mark the first full German\u2011Ukrainian government consultations in two decades. Chancellor <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Friedrich Merz<\/a> is keen to underline that Ukraine, which has been under <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/russias-war-in-ukraine\/t-60931789\">full-scale invasion by Russia since 2022<\/a>, remains Germany&#8217;s top foreign\u2011policy priority.<\/p>\n<p>Germany has become Ukraine&#8217;s largest backer since the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/trump-zelenkskyy-meeting-what-you-need-to-know\/a-75313212\">United States, under the Trump administration<\/a>, withdrew its support last year. As a next step, Berlin is pushing to unlock a \u20ac90 billion ($106 billion) EU credit line for Ukraine. That could happen as early as mid\u2011May, once <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/hungary\/t-19110577\">Hungary<\/a>&#8216;s new EU\u2011friendly government lifts its resistance to further payments.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5C8UZ<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76773081\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-ukraine-discuss-drone-deal-as-merz-hosts-zelenskyy\/live-76770415#post-liveblog-post-76773081\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Lufthansa strike enters second day<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/14\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 14, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Lufthansa strike enters second day<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Pilots at German airline <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/lufthansa\/t-17443992\">Lufthansa<\/a> continued <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-lufthansa-pilots-union-call-for-two-day-strike\/a-76748571\">industrial action<\/a> for a second day on Tuesday, with unions reporting high levels of strike participation as staff call for improved working conditions.<\/p>\n<p>According to the <em>Vereinigung Cockpit<\/em> union (VC), around 860 Lufthansa, Eurowings and Cityline flights were canceled on Monday \u2013 84% of all of scheduled flights, and therefore more than the 80% which were canceled during strike action in March.<\/p>\n<p>While the pilots&#8217; strike is set to end on Tuesday night, Lufthansa and Cityline <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/lufthansa-pilots-launch-2-day-strike-cabin-crew-say-they-will-strike-right-after\/a-76760890\">cabin crews<\/a> are set to strike on Wednesday and Thursday. Having already walked out last <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/lufthansa-cabin-crew-begin-strike\/a-76729592\">Friday<\/a>, the industrial action is therefore set to cover a total of five consecutive working days.<\/p>\n<p>German airport lobby group ADV criticized the extent of the industrial action which it said had affected hundreds of thousands of passengers and large parts of the German economy.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Thousands of canceled flights in such a short space of time lead to losses of millions of euros, which has direct consequences for airport operators, service providers and employees,&#8221; said ADV chief Ralph Beisel, calling on the German government to take action to limit the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-braces-for-more-strikes-in-2026\/a-75937430\">right to strike<\/a> in the air travel sector.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5C8BV<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76771563\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-ukraine-discuss-drone-deal-as-merz-hosts-zelenskyy\/live-76770415#post-liveblog-post-76771563\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Berlin set up for Zelenskyy&#8217;s surprise visit<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/14\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 14, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Berlin set up for Zelenskyy&#8217;s surprise visit<\/h2>\n<div class=\"a9wq4ao author-details\"><span><span class=\"extra-info lxmvniw m4xla6a s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"> in Berlin<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Police officers stationed on rooftops around the Chancellery in Berlin are a clear sign that a particularly high\u2011profile guest is in town. Shortly after officers took up their positions, the Chancellery confirmed that <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy<\/a> had arrived in the German capital, accompanied by members of his Cabinet, for German\u2011Ukrainian government consultations.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76771496\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76771496_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Two police officers on a rooftop close to the Chancellery\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Zelenskyy was last in Berlin just under a year ago<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Bernd Riegert\/DW<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>For security reasons, visits of this kind are kept secret until shortly before they begin. President Zelenskyy is considered one of the most at\u2011risk political leaders in the world. Even so, road closures in Berlin\u2019s government district since the previous day had already hinted at who was coming.<\/p>\n<p>Such extraordinary security measures are typically reserved for only a handful of &#8220;super\u2011VIPs,&#8221;\u00a0including the US\u00a0president, the pope \u2014 and now, once again, Ukraine\u2019s wartime leader.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5C7n1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76771566\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-ukraine-discuss-drone-deal-as-merz-hosts-zelenskyy\/live-76770415#post-liveblog-post-76771566\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Merz to host Zelenskyy in Berlin<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/14\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 14, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Merz to host Zelenskyy in Berlin<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Ukrainian President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">Volodymyr Zelenskyy<\/a> was expected in Berlin on Tuesday, accompanied by cabinet ministers who will hold official German-Ukrainian government consultations.<\/p>\n<p>In the first such inter-governmental talks in years, policymakers are expected to discuss financial and military support for <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine\/t-17295382\">Ukraine<\/a> in its ongoing fight against the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/russias-war-in-ukraine\/t-60931789\">Russian invasion<\/a>, as well as reconstruction efforts and the return of Ukrainian refugees.<\/p>\n<p>On Monday, following the electoral defeat of Hungarian Prime Minister <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/viktor-orban\/t-38337120\">Viktor Orban<\/a> at the weekend, German Chancellor <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Friedrich Merz<\/a> had indicated that a \u20ac90-billion loan for Ukraine, which had been blocked by <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/hungary\/t-19110577\">Budapest<\/a>, would now be paid out.<\/p>\n<p>Kyiv is expected to invest around two thirds of the credit directly in its armed forces to maintain their battle-readiness until 2027 at least.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5C7n4<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76770460\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-ukraine-discuss-drone-deal-as-merz-hosts-zelenskyy\/live-76770415#post-liveblog-post-76770460\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Welcome to our coverage<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/14\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 14, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Welcome to our coverage<\/h2>\n<div class=\"a9wq4ao author-details\"><span><span class=\"separator lxmvniw m4xla6a s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"> | <\/span><span class=\"extra-info lxmvniw m4xla6a s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"> Editor<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p><em>Guten Morgen!<\/em> Welcome to DW&#8217;s coverage of what <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a> is talking about on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>German Chancellor <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Friedrich Merz<\/a> is expected to welcome Ukrainian President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">Volodomyr Zelenskyy<\/a> to Berlin today.<\/p>\n<p>Zelenskyy will be accompanied by several cabinet ministers who will take part in inter-governmental talks.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5C7VE<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"h4zlaoh bp605kw center\">\n<div role=\"button\" data-tracking-name=\"show-more\" class=\"show-more-button s1va3u11 t1y9040i m7i2pic e3w9kkf b19vsmfu cx4rgdt ih9bob8 disabled sngcpkw w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">Show more posts<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<ul>\n<li>German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Europe had to be involved in any peace\u00a0deal the US and Russia make on Ukraine<\/li>\n<li>Ukrainian President Volodymr\u00a0Zelenskyy said\u00a0the leaders discussed a European anti-ballistic program, and a bilateral drone deal<\/li>\n<li>Zelenskyy insisted Kyiv was not after &#8220;EU-or NATO-light&#8221; membership<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Read DW&#8217;s coverage of the first government consultations between<\/em><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a><em>\u00a0and Ukraine\u00a0on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. You can catch up on Monday&#8217;s Germany news <\/em><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-merz-says-fuel-tax-lowered-to-ease-price-surge\/live-76759123\">here<\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em>Read DW&#8217;s coverage of the first government consultations between<\/em><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a><em>\u00a0and Ukraine\u00a0on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. You can catch up on Monday&#8217;s Germany news <\/em><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-merz-says-fuel-tax-lowered-to-ease-price-surge\/live-76759123\">here<\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>A new consultation center has been opened in <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/berlin\/t-18967759\">Berlin<\/a> to provide advice and counsel for Ukrainians living in the German capital who would like to return home.<\/p>\n<p>German Interior Minister <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/alexander-dobrindt\/t-72493833\">Alexander Dobrindt<\/a> opened the so-called &#8220;Unity Hub&#8221; alongside the Ukrainian Minister of Social Policy, Denys Uliutin, on Tuesday as part of inter-governmental consultations between the German and Ukrainian governments.<\/p>\n<p>Dobrindt said the center was intended to function as a &#8220;connecting element to the homeland&#8221; for Ukrainians which could &#8220;provide answers to all questions regarding a future in <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine\/t-17295382\">Ukraine<\/a>.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Uliutin said the Berlin center was to be one of many across Europe aimed at bringing Ukrainian refugees together as a &#8220;community&#8221; and retaining links with Ukraine.<\/p>\n<p>While the German Interior Ministry said the principal aim of the center was to &#8220;increase connections to Ukraine and encourage a desire to return,&#8221; the institutions would also offer help on integration in <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a>, including language lessons, cultural offers and assistance in finding work.<\/p>\n<p>As of February 2026, around 1.16 million <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine-russia-war-germany-refugees-young-men-protection\/a-74562374\">Ukrainians<\/a> live in Germany, around 60,000 of them in Berlin.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>A new consultation center has been opened in <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/berlin\/t-18967759\">Berlin<\/a> to provide advice and counsel for Ukrainians living in the German capital who would like to return home.<\/p>\n<p>German Interior Minister <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/alexander-dobrindt\/t-72493833\">Alexander Dobrindt<\/a> opened the so-called &#8220;Unity Hub&#8221; alongside the Ukrainian Minister of Social Policy, Denys Uliutin, on Tuesday as part of inter-governmental consultations between the German and Ukrainian governments.<\/p>\n<p>Dobrindt said the center was intended to function as a &#8220;connecting element to the homeland&#8221; for Ukrainians which could &#8220;provide answers to all questions regarding a future in <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine\/t-17295382\">Ukraine<\/a>.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Uliutin said the Berlin center was to be one of many across Europe aimed at bringing Ukrainian refugees together as a &#8220;community&#8221; and retaining links with Ukraine.<\/p>\n<p>While the German Interior Ministry said the principal aim of the center was to &#8220;increase connections to Ukraine and encourage a desire to return,&#8221; the institutions would also offer help on integration in <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a>, including language lessons, cultural offers and assistance in finding work.<\/p>\n<p>As of February 2026, around 1.16 million <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine-russia-war-germany-refugees-young-men-protection\/a-74562374\">Ukrainians<\/a> live in Germany, around 60,000 of them in Berlin.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Ukrainian President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">Volodymyr Zelenskyy<\/a> says Ukraine has the capacity to double its own domestic arms production \u2014\u00a0if provided with the proper funding.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine\/t-17295382\">Ukraine<\/a> already produces most of its own weapons in its fight against the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/russias-war-in-ukraine\/t-60931789\">ongoing Russian invasion<\/a>, but Zelenskyy noted in Berlin on Tuesday that production could be doubled if Ukraine had sufficient funds.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The majority of the weapons Ukraine uses for various operations \u2014\u00a0from strikes against targets in the hinterland and fighting on the front line to air defense \u2014\u00a0are now manufactured in Ukraine,&#8221; Zelenskyy said at a press conference alongside German Chancellor <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Friedrich Merz<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>However, he also said: &#8220;We simply don&#8217;t have the money, but we did discuss this to some extent today.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Much-needed additional funds are expected\u00a0to be freed up for Ukraine following the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/hungary\/t-19110577\">electoral defeat<\/a> this weekend of Hungarian Prime Minister <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/viktor-orban\/t-38337120\">Viktor Orban<\/a>, the right-wing populist and <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/russia\/t-19065060\">Moscow<\/a> ally who had been blocking a \u20ac90 billion ($105 billion) European Union loan to Kyiv.<\/p>\n<p>Ukraine has said it intends to invest at least two thirds of that sum directly in its armed forces.<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Drones and AI: How technology is changing warfare\" class=\"headline\">Drones and AI: How technology is changing warfare<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-72565169\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"72565169\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/72558306_605.webp\" data-duration=\"12:34\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/she\/she250516_GesamtNEU_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ukrainian President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">Volodymyr Zelenskyy<\/a> says Ukraine has the capacity to double its own domestic arms production \u2014\u00a0if provided with the proper funding.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine\/t-17295382\">Ukraine<\/a> already produces most of its own weapons in its fight against the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/russias-war-in-ukraine\/t-60931789\">ongoing Russian invasion<\/a>, but Zelenskyy noted in Berlin on Tuesday that production could be doubled if Ukraine had sufficient funds.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The majority of the weapons Ukraine uses for various operations \u2014\u00a0from strikes against targets in the hinterland and fighting on the front line to air defense \u2014\u00a0are now manufactured in Ukraine,&#8221; Zelenskyy said at a press conference alongside German Chancellor <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Friedrich Merz<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>However, he also said: &#8220;We simply don&#8217;t have the money, but we did discuss this to some extent today.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Much-needed additional funds are expected\u00a0to be freed up for Ukraine following the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/hungary\/t-19110577\">electoral defeat<\/a> this weekend of Hungarian Prime Minister <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/viktor-orban\/t-38337120\">Viktor Orban<\/a>, the right-wing populist and <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/russia\/t-19065060\">Moscow<\/a> ally who had been blocking a \u20ac90 billion ($105 billion) European Union loan to Kyiv.<\/p>\n<p>Ukraine has said it intends to invest at least two thirds of that sum directly in its armed forces.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vjs-no-js\">To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that <a href=\"https:\/\/videojs.com\/html5-video-support\/\" target=\"_blank\">supports HTML5 video<\/a><\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a> and <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine\/t-17295382\">Ukraine<\/a> have signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) \u200bto boost cooperation \u200bon mineral resources and \u200benergy \u200csecurity.<\/p>\n<p>German Economy and Energy Minister <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/katherina-reiche\/t-72492987\">Katherina Reiche<\/a> and \u200cher \u2060Ukrainian \u2060counterpart signed the agreements during government consultations in Berlin \u200con Tuesday, the \u200cGerman Economy Ministry said.<\/p>\n<p>The two countries also agreed \u200bto establish a new working \u2060group on \u200beconomic and \u200btrade issues, and \u200badopted \u200ca joint declaration to deepen \u200bbilateral \u2060ties \u200bamid the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/russias-war-in-ukraine\/t-60931789\">ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a> and <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine\/t-17295382\">Ukraine<\/a> have signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) \u200bto boost cooperation \u200bon mineral resources and \u200benergy \u200csecurity.<\/p>\n<p>German Economy and Energy Minister <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/katherina-reiche\/t-72492987\">Katherina Reiche<\/a> and \u200cher \u2060Ukrainian \u2060counterpart signed the agreements during government consultations in Berlin \u200con Tuesday, the \u200cGerman Economy Ministry said.<\/p>\n<p>The two countries also agreed \u200bto establish a new working \u2060group on \u200beconomic and \u200btrade issues, and \u200badopted \u200ca joint declaration to deepen \u200bbilateral \u2060ties \u200bamid the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/russias-war-in-ukraine\/t-60931789\">ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>You can watch all the news, analysis and the press conference in full again in our YouTube stream below.<\/p>\n<div class=\"embed yt-wrapper\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>You can watch all the news, analysis and the press conference in full again in our YouTube stream below.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>German Chancellor Friedrich Merz insisted that Europe must be directly involved in any peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, as US\u2011mediated talks remain stalled.<\/p>\n<p>At the press conference\u00a0in Berlin, Merz said no deal could be reached \u201cover the heads of Europeans,\u201d stressing Germany\u2019s role as Ukraine\u2019s largest supporter.<\/p>\n<p>Berlin also wants a seat at the table in shaping Ukraine\u2019s post\u2011war order, including economic reconstruction.<\/p>\n<p>Zelenskyy agreed that Europe must be part of the process, accusing Russia of continuing to delay peace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>German Chancellor Friedrich Merz insisted that Europe must be directly involved in any peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, as US\u2011mediated talks remain stalled.<\/p>\n<p>At the press conference\u00a0in Berlin, Merz said no deal could be reached \u201cover the heads of Europeans,\u201d stressing Germany\u2019s role as Ukraine\u2019s largest supporter.<\/p>\n<p>Berlin also wants a seat at the table in shaping Ukraine\u2019s post\u2011war order, including economic reconstruction.<\/p>\n<p>Zelenskyy agreed that Europe must be part of the process, accusing Russia of continuing to delay peace.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Wearing a simple black suit, black shirt and black sneakers, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stood at the podium during a press conference at the Chancellery in Berlin. His expression was impassive, his gaze fixed somewhere in the distance.<\/p>\n<p>Zelenskyy listened quietly as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reiterated his assurance that Ukraine belongs in the European Union and should one day become a member. \u201cBut we both know that this will not happen anytime soon,\u201d Merz added, glancing toward his guest.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>For Zelenskyy, protecting the country\u2019s energy and transport infrastructure ahead of the coming winter was more critical in the short-term. Pressure on Russia to agree to peace must also be increased.<\/p>\n<p>During the exchange, the Ukrainian president\u2019s expression briefly softened. He said he was confident the European Union would now be able to disburse a promised \u20ac90 billion loan to Ukraine.\u00a0An agreement, he said, could be reached as early as next week\u2019s informal EU summit in Cyprus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Wearing a simple black suit, black shirt and black sneakers, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stood at the podium during a press conference at the Chancellery in Berlin. His expression was impassive, his gaze fixed somewhere in the distance.<\/p>\n<p>Zelenskyy listened quietly as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reiterated his assurance that Ukraine belongs in the European Union and should one day become a member. \u201cBut we both know that this will not happen anytime soon,\u201d Merz added, glancing toward his guest.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>For Zelenskyy, protecting the country\u2019s energy and transport infrastructure ahead of the coming winter was more critical in the short-term. Pressure on Russia to agree to peace must also be increased.<\/p>\n<p>During the exchange, the Ukrainian president\u2019s expression briefly softened. He said he was confident the European Union would now be able to disburse a promised \u20ac90 billion loan to Ukraine.\u00a0An agreement, he said, could be reached as early as next week\u2019s informal EU summit in Cyprus.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>German Chancellor <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Friedrich Merz<\/a> has called for a &#8220;lasting peace&#8221; for <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine\/t-17295382\">Ukraine<\/a> and expressed his support of Kyiv&#8217;s aim of <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/european-union-eu\/t-17440066\">European Union<\/a> membership.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;<a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a> supports this goal,&#8221; he said following talks with Ukrainian President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">Volodymyr Zelenskyy<\/a> in Berlin, adding though that it wouldn&#8217;t happen &#8220;anytime soon.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Calling on Zelenskyy to continue to push for reforms to combat corruption and strengthen democracy in Ukraine, Merz said: &#8220;It&#8217;s worth the effort. Every step in this direction is a step towards Europe.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Merz said Ukraine&#8217;s accession to the EU would be a &#8220;strategically important step for more security and greater prosperity in Europe.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Zelenskyy, however, rejected a diminished partnership, saying that Ukraine did not need an &#8220;EU-light&#8221; or a &#8220;NATO-light&#8221; membership.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>German Chancellor <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Friedrich Merz<\/a> has called for a &#8220;lasting peace&#8221; for <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine\/t-17295382\">Ukraine<\/a> and expressed his support of Kyiv&#8217;s aim of <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/european-union-eu\/t-17440066\">European Union<\/a> membership.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;<a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a> supports this goal,&#8221; he said following talks with Ukrainian President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">Volodymyr Zelenskyy<\/a> in Berlin, adding though that it wouldn&#8217;t happen &#8220;anytime soon.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Calling on Zelenskyy to continue to push for reforms to combat corruption and strengthen democracy in Ukraine, Merz said: &#8220;It&#8217;s worth the effort. Every step in this direction is a step towards Europe.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Merz said Ukraine&#8217;s accession to the EU would be a &#8220;strategically important step for more security and greater prosperity in Europe.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Zelenskyy, however, rejected a diminished partnership, saying that Ukraine did not need an &#8220;EU-light&#8221; or a &#8220;NATO-light&#8221; membership.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a> and <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine\/t-17295382\">Ukraine<\/a> have signed a series of cooperation agreements on defense and reconstruction, with Berlin reiterating its support for Kyiv in its fight against the ongoing <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/russias-war-in-ukraine\/t-60931789\">Russian invasion<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The agreements came following talks between German Chancellor <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Friedrich Merz<\/a> and Ukrainian President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">Volodymyr Zelenskyy<\/a>, plus cabinet ministers from both countries, in Berlin on Tuesday morning.<\/p>\n<p>Chancellor Merz said the two countries have agreed to collaborate on the design and production of drones as well as on &#8220;digital battlefield data technology,&#8221; adding that close cooperation with Ukraine is of benefit to Germany&#8217;s own security.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We benefit from the Ukrainian army&#8217;s resilience,&#8221; he said, insisting that &#8220;Russia has no chance of winning this war.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a> and <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine\/t-17295382\">Ukraine<\/a> have signed a series of cooperation agreements on defense and reconstruction, with Berlin reiterating its support for Kyiv in its fight against the ongoing <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/russias-war-in-ukraine\/t-60931789\">Russian invasion<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The agreements came following talks between German Chancellor <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Friedrich Merz<\/a> and Ukrainian President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">Volodymyr Zelenskyy<\/a>, plus cabinet ministers from both countries, in Berlin on Tuesday morning.<\/p>\n<p>Chancellor Merz said the two countries have agreed to collaborate on the design and production of drones as well as on &#8220;digital battlefield data technology,&#8221; adding that close cooperation with Ukraine is of benefit to Germany&#8217;s own security.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We benefit from the Ukrainian army&#8217;s resilience,&#8221; he said, insisting that &#8220;Russia has no chance of winning this war.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Not far from the Chancellery in Berlin, the German armed forces are advertising\u00a0for new recruits, urging young men and women to enlist. Germany does not currently have a military draft, but since <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/russias-war-in-ukraine\/t-60931789\">Russia&#8217;s full-scale invasion of Ukraine<\/a>, politicians in Berlin have been seeking to strengthen the country&#8217;s defense capabilities.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76776361\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76776361_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"A poster of a soldier in uniform on an advertising board in Berlin, reading: &quot;Defend tomorrow's peace today&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">&#8220;Defend tomorrow&#8217;s peace today&#8221;: Germany&#8217;s Bundeswehr is conducting a recruitment drive<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Bernd Riegert\/DW<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Ukraine, by contrast, operates a conscription system. Since last September, men aged 25 and over have been subject to a draft. In the months since the rule came into force, thousands of Ukrainian men under 25 have taken the opportunity to leave the war\u2011torn country. <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine-russia-war-germany-refugees-young-men-protection\/a-74562374\">Many have ended up in Berlin, where they register as refugees.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>During his talks with\u00a0 Zelenskyy, <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-chancellor-ukraine-russia-war-refugee-men\/a-74789775\">Chancellor Merz complained that these arrivals must be curbed<\/a>. Ukraine has promised to address the issue, but with limited success so far. From the German government&#8217;s perspective, it is in Ukraine&#8217;s own interest to keep men aged 18 to 25 in the country to fill the ranks of its army.<\/p>\n<p>In Germany, Ukrainians fleeing the war are granted refugee status and receive social benefits similar to those provided to asylum seekers, including accommodation and food. They are also allowed to take up employment immediately \u2014 a key difference from other asylum seekers, who often must wait several months before being permitted to work.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Not far from the Chancellery in Berlin, the German armed forces are advertising\u00a0for new recruits, urging young men and women to enlist. Germany does not currently have a military draft, but since <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/russias-war-in-ukraine\/t-60931789\">Russia&#8217;s full-scale invasion of Ukraine<\/a>, politicians in Berlin have been seeking to strengthen the country&#8217;s defense capabilities.<\/p>\n<p>Ukraine, by contrast, operates a conscription system. Since last September, men aged 25 and over have been subject to a draft. In the months since the rule came into force, thousands of Ukrainian men under 25 have taken the opportunity to leave the war\u2011torn country. <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine-russia-war-germany-refugees-young-men-protection\/a-74562374\">Many have ended up in Berlin, where they register as refugees.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>During his talks with\u00a0 Zelenskyy, <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-chancellor-ukraine-russia-war-refugee-men\/a-74789775\">Chancellor Merz complained that these arrivals must be curbed<\/a>. Ukraine has promised to address the issue, but with limited success so far. From the German government&#8217;s perspective, it is in Ukraine&#8217;s own interest to keep men aged 18 to 25 in the country to fill the ranks of its army.<\/p>\n<p>In Germany, Ukrainians fleeing the war are granted refugee status and receive social benefits similar to those provided to asylum seekers, including accommodation and food. They are also allowed to take up employment immediately \u2014 a key difference from other asylum seekers, who often must wait several months before being permitted to work.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76774661\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76774661_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Drones on the steps of the Chancellery\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Ukraine has made great advances in military drone technology<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Bernd Riegert\/DW<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Following a military reception for <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">President Zelenskyy<\/a> by the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/bundeswehr\/t-17430904\"><em>Bundeswehr<\/em><\/a>&#8216;s honor guard in the courtyard of the Chancellery, the security focus continued inside. On the grand entrance staircase, German and Ukrainian defense companies had displayed several drone models, which <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Chancellor Merz<\/a> and his guest briefly inspected.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine\/t-17295382\">Ukraine<\/a> has made rapid advances in drone technology over the four years of war with Russia. The <em>Bundeswehr<\/em>, Germany&#8217;s armed forces, plans to significantly expand its own drone capabilities in the coming years. From Berlin&#8217;s perspective, cooperation with Kyiv is a logical next step.<\/p>\n<p>Under the plans, German companies could produce Ukrainian-designed drones under license and supply them to Ukraine, while Ukrainian experts would contribute their operational experience. A joint drone production facility by German defense firm <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-rheinmetall-opens-new-artillery-ammunition-factory\/a-73785438\">Rheinmetall<\/a> is already being established in Ukraine.<\/p>\n<p>Zelenskyy and Merz are expected to sign the relevant memoranda of understanding later.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Following a military reception for <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">President Zelenskyy<\/a> by the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/bundeswehr\/t-17430904\"><em>Bundeswehr<\/em><\/a>&#8216;s honor guard in the courtyard of the Chancellery, the security focus continued inside. On the grand entrance staircase, German and Ukrainian defense companies had displayed several drone models, which <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Chancellor Merz<\/a> and his guest briefly inspected.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine\/t-17295382\">Ukraine<\/a> has made rapid advances in drone technology over the four years of war with Russia. The <em>Bundeswehr<\/em>, Germany&#8217;s armed forces, plans to significantly expand its own drone capabilities in the coming years. From Berlin&#8217;s perspective, cooperation with Kyiv is a logical next step.<\/p>\n<p>Under the plans, German companies could produce Ukrainian-designed drones under license and supply them to Ukraine, while Ukrainian experts would contribute their operational experience. A joint drone production facility by German defense firm <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-rheinmetall-opens-new-artillery-ammunition-factory\/a-73785438\">Rheinmetall<\/a> is already being established in Ukraine.<\/p>\n<p>Zelenskyy and Merz are expected to sign the relevant memoranda of understanding later.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Five helicopters landed on the lawn behind Germany&#8217;s Chancellery, carrying Ukrainian President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">Volodymyr Zelenskyy<\/a> and several members of his Cabinet. The delegation arrived in Berlin for wide\u2011ranging consultations with German ministers responsible for defense, agriculture, interior affairs, development aid and the economy.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76773757\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76773757_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hugs Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Chancellery with photographers looking on\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">German Chancellor Friedrich Merz gave Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a warm welcome at the Chancellery<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Axel Schmidt\/REUTERS<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The talks mark the first full German\u2011Ukrainian government consultations in two decades. Chancellor <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Friedrich Merz<\/a> is keen to underline that Ukraine, which has been under <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/russias-war-in-ukraine\/t-60931789\">full-scale invasion by Russia since 2022<\/a>, remains Germany&#8217;s top foreign\u2011policy priority.<\/p>\n<p>Germany has become Ukraine&#8217;s largest backer since the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/trump-zelenkskyy-meeting-what-you-need-to-know\/a-75313212\">United States, under the Trump administration<\/a>, withdrew its support last year. As a next step, Berlin is pushing to unlock a \u20ac90 billion ($106 billion) EU credit line for Ukraine. That could happen as early as mid\u2011May, once <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/hungary\/t-19110577\">Hungary<\/a>&#8216;s new EU\u2011friendly government lifts its resistance to further payments.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Five helicopters landed on the lawn behind Germany&#8217;s Chancellery, carrying Ukrainian President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">Volodymyr Zelenskyy<\/a> and several members of his Cabinet. The delegation arrived in Berlin for wide\u2011ranging consultations with German ministers responsible for defense, agriculture, interior affairs, development aid and the economy.<\/p>\n<p>The talks mark the first full German\u2011Ukrainian government consultations in two decades. Chancellor <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Friedrich Merz<\/a> is keen to underline that Ukraine, which has been under <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/russias-war-in-ukraine\/t-60931789\">full-scale invasion by Russia since 2022<\/a>, remains Germany&#8217;s top foreign\u2011policy priority.<\/p>\n<p>Germany has become Ukraine&#8217;s largest backer since the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/trump-zelenkskyy-meeting-what-you-need-to-know\/a-75313212\">United States, under the Trump administration<\/a>, withdrew its support last year. As a next step, Berlin is pushing to unlock a \u20ac90 billion ($106 billion) EU credit line for Ukraine. That could happen as early as mid\u2011May, once <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/hungary\/t-19110577\">Hungary<\/a>&#8216;s new EU\u2011friendly government lifts its resistance to further payments.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Pilots at German airline <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/lufthansa\/t-17443992\">Lufthansa<\/a> continued <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-lufthansa-pilots-union-call-for-two-day-strike\/a-76748571\">industrial action<\/a> for a second day on Tuesday, with unions reporting high levels of strike participation as staff call for improved working conditions.<\/p>\n<p>According to the <em>Vereinigung Cockpit<\/em> union (VC), around 860 Lufthansa, Eurowings and Cityline flights were canceled on Monday \u2013 84% of all of scheduled flights, and therefore more than the 80% which were canceled during strike action in March.<\/p>\n<p>While the pilots&#8217; strike is set to end on Tuesday night, Lufthansa and Cityline <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/lufthansa-pilots-launch-2-day-strike-cabin-crew-say-they-will-strike-right-after\/a-76760890\">cabin crews<\/a> are set to strike on Wednesday and Thursday. Having already walked out last <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/lufthansa-cabin-crew-begin-strike\/a-76729592\">Friday<\/a>, the industrial action is therefore set to cover a total of five consecutive working days.<\/p>\n<p>German airport lobby group ADV criticized the extent of the industrial action which it said had affected hundreds of thousands of passengers and large parts of the German economy.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Thousands of canceled flights in such a short space of time lead to losses of millions of euros, which has direct consequences for airport operators, service providers and employees,&#8221; said ADV chief Ralph Beisel, calling on the German government to take action to limit the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-braces-for-more-strikes-in-2026\/a-75937430\">right to strike<\/a> in the air travel sector.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Pilots at German airline <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/lufthansa\/t-17443992\">Lufthansa<\/a> continued <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-lufthansa-pilots-union-call-for-two-day-strike\/a-76748571\">industrial action<\/a> for a second day on Tuesday, with unions reporting high levels of strike participation as staff call for improved working conditions.<\/p>\n<p>According to the <em>Vereinigung Cockpit<\/em> union (VC), around 860 Lufthansa, Eurowings and Cityline flights were canceled on Monday \u2013 84% of all of scheduled flights, and therefore more than the 80% which were canceled during strike action in March.<\/p>\n<p>While the pilots&#8217; strike is set to end on Tuesday night, Lufthansa and Cityline <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/lufthansa-pilots-launch-2-day-strike-cabin-crew-say-they-will-strike-right-after\/a-76760890\">cabin crews<\/a> are set to strike on Wednesday and Thursday. Having already walked out last <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/lufthansa-cabin-crew-begin-strike\/a-76729592\">Friday<\/a>, the industrial action is therefore set to cover a total of five consecutive working days.<\/p>\n<p>German airport lobby group ADV criticized the extent of the industrial action which it said had affected hundreds of thousands of passengers and large parts of the German economy.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Thousands of canceled flights in such a short space of time lead to losses of millions of euros, which has direct consequences for airport operators, service providers and employees,&#8221; said ADV chief Ralph Beisel, calling on the German government to take action to limit the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-braces-for-more-strikes-in-2026\/a-75937430\">right to strike<\/a> in the air travel sector.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Police officers stationed on rooftops around the Chancellery in Berlin are a clear sign that a particularly high\u2011profile guest is in town. Shortly after officers took up their positions, the Chancellery confirmed that <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy<\/a> had arrived in the German capital, accompanied by members of his Cabinet, for German\u2011Ukrainian government consultations.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76771496\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76771496_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Two police officers on a rooftop close to the Chancellery\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Zelenskyy was last in Berlin just under a year ago<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Bernd Riegert\/DW<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>For security reasons, visits of this kind are kept secret until shortly before they begin. President Zelenskyy is considered one of the most at\u2011risk political leaders in the world. Even so, road closures in Berlin\u2019s government district since the previous day had already hinted at who was coming.<\/p>\n<p>Such extraordinary security measures are typically reserved for only a handful of &#8220;super\u2011VIPs,&#8221;\u00a0including the US\u00a0president, the pope \u2014 and now, once again, Ukraine\u2019s wartime leader.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Police officers stationed on rooftops around the Chancellery in Berlin are a clear sign that a particularly high\u2011profile guest is in town. Shortly after officers took up their positions, the Chancellery confirmed that <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy<\/a> had arrived in the German capital, accompanied by members of his Cabinet, for German\u2011Ukrainian government consultations.<\/p>\n<p>For security reasons, visits of this kind are kept secret until shortly before they begin. President Zelenskyy is considered one of the most at\u2011risk political leaders in the world. Even so, road closures in Berlin\u2019s government district since the previous day had already hinted at who was coming.<\/p>\n<p>Such extraordinary security measures are typically reserved for only a handful of &#8220;super\u2011VIPs,&#8221;\u00a0including the US\u00a0president, the pope \u2014 and now, once again, Ukraine\u2019s wartime leader.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Ukrainian President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">Volodymyr Zelenskyy<\/a> was expected in Berlin on Tuesday, accompanied by cabinet ministers who will hold official German-Ukrainian government consultations.<\/p>\n<p>In the first such inter-governmental talks in years, policymakers are expected to discuss financial and military support for <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine\/t-17295382\">Ukraine<\/a> in its ongoing fight against the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/russias-war-in-ukraine\/t-60931789\">Russian invasion<\/a>, as well as reconstruction efforts and the return of Ukrainian refugees.<\/p>\n<p>On Monday, following the electoral defeat of Hungarian Prime Minister <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/viktor-orban\/t-38337120\">Viktor Orban<\/a> at the weekend, German Chancellor <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Friedrich Merz<\/a> had indicated that a \u20ac90-billion loan for Ukraine, which had been blocked by <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/hungary\/t-19110577\">Budapest<\/a>, would now be paid out.<\/p>\n<p>Kyiv is expected to invest around two thirds of the credit directly in its armed forces to maintain their battle-readiness until 2027 at least.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ukrainian President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">Volodymyr Zelenskyy<\/a> was expected in Berlin on Tuesday, accompanied by cabinet ministers who will hold official German-Ukrainian government consultations.<\/p>\n<p>In the first such inter-governmental talks in years, policymakers are expected to discuss financial and military support for <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine\/t-17295382\">Ukraine<\/a> in its ongoing fight against the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/russias-war-in-ukraine\/t-60931789\">Russian invasion<\/a>, as well as reconstruction efforts and the return of Ukrainian refugees.<\/p>\n<p>On Monday, following the electoral defeat of Hungarian Prime Minister <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/viktor-orban\/t-38337120\">Viktor Orban<\/a> at the weekend, German Chancellor <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Friedrich Merz<\/a> had indicated that a \u20ac90-billion loan for Ukraine, which had been blocked by <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/hungary\/t-19110577\">Budapest<\/a>, would now be paid out.<\/p>\n<p>Kyiv is expected to invest around two thirds of the credit directly in its armed forces to maintain their battle-readiness until 2027 at least.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p><em>Guten Morgen!<\/em> Welcome to DW&#8217;s coverage of what <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a> is talking about on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>German Chancellor <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Friedrich Merz<\/a> is expected to welcome Ukrainian President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">Volodomyr Zelenskyy<\/a> to Berlin today.<\/p>\n<p>Zelenskyy will be accompanied by several cabinet ministers who will take part in inter-governmental talks.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em>Guten Morgen!<\/em> Welcome to DW&#8217;s coverage of what <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a> is talking about on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>German Chancellor <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Friedrich Merz<\/a> is expected to welcome Ukrainian President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">Volodomyr Zelenskyy<\/a> to Berlin today.<\/p>\n<p>Zelenskyy will be accompanied by several cabinet ministers who will take part in inter-governmental talks.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-ukraine-discuss-drone-deal-as-merz-hosts-zelenskyy\/live-76770415&#8243;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/75170470_6.jpg&#8221;] https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5C7UV Ukrainian President Zelenskyy last visited Berlin in December 2025 for this meeting with German Chancellor MerzImage: Maryam Majd\/AP Photo\/picture alliance Skip next section What you need to know What you need to know German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Europe had to be involved in any peace\u00a0deal the US and Russia make [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,74],"class_list":["post-1882389","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-dw-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1882389","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1882389"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1882389\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1882389"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1882389"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1882389"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}