Germany Unveils 10-Point Plan to Strengthen Defense Cooperation with Ukraine

Germany has unveiled a 10-point plan to deepen its defense cooperation with Ukraine during President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s recent visit to Berlin. The initiative outlines a range of strategic actions aimed at enhancing joint industrial ventures, advancing market integration, and considering federal investment guarantees to bolster Kyiv’s defense capabilities. This plan represents a significant escalation of Berlin’s support for Ukraine amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war with Russia.

The document emphasizes that a robust Ukrainian defense industry is essential for countering Russia’s ongoing aggression and serving as a long-term deterrent against future threats. It outlines collaborative efforts in defense research, joint procurement, and industrial partnerships, with Germany examining the feasibility of using federal investment guarantees to support these initiatives. Berlin, already Ukraine’s largest European backer, is also looking at joint procurement of Ukrainian-made defense systems, including interceptor drones, to protect NATO airspace under the .

A key component of the plan involves the establishment of a liaison office in Berlin, known as the , to strengthen ties between German and Ukrainian defense companies. This office will serve as a platform for regular high-level consultations between the two defense ministries and facilitate closer coordination on research and procurement projects. In addition, Germany plans to expand its military attaché presence in Kyiv and increase technical expert exchanges between the two countries to enhance interoperability and knowledge sharing.

Another notable element of the agreement is the development of a memorandum of understanding on battlefield data. This will include information on how German defense technologies perform in the field, enabling both nations to refine strategies and systems based on real-world conditions. The initiative underscores the growing recognition of Ukraine as not only a strategic partner in the war effort but also as a potential contributor to Europe’s defense supply chain. The plan also notes that Berlin’s support has already spurred industrial and technological growth in Germany.

To address concerns about governance and transparency, the agreement includes comprehensive anti-corruption measures. These follow Western anxieties over Ukraine’s largest corruption scandal of the war, which led to the resignation of two government ministers and Zelenskiy’s chief of staff. The inclusion of these measures reflects a broader effort to align Ukraine’s defense sector with international standards and reinforce donor confidence.

Germany’s commitment to this plan aligns with its record aid package for Ukraine, . The 10-point strategy is expected to play a central role in shaping future defense cooperation and potentially serve as a model for similar agreements among other European allies.