Merz welcomes Zelensky in Berlin for government talks

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the chancellery in Berlin on Tuesday, as part of bilateral government consultations.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (right) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) arrive for a press conference at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, on Tuesday.

Photo: EPA/CLEMENS BILAN

The meeting marks the first encounter between the two leaders since the US and Israel launched military action against Iran on 28 February.

Strong partners for a strong Europe. Warm welcome to Berlin, president @ZelenskyyUa. pic.twitter.com/r1GrfN3qKm

— Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (@bundeskanzler) April 14, 2026

On Wednesday, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius will welcome NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Ukraine's Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and UK Defence Secretary John Healey in Berlin.

The gathering will take place in the format of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, also known as the Ramstein Group, with other supporting nations joining remotely.

Germany is Ukraine's largest European military backer, having provided around EUR 55 billion in military support since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, alongside at least EUR 39 billion in civilian aid.

Berlin has allocated a further EUR 11.5 billion to Ukraine in its 2026 budget.

Germany has not, however, agreed to supply Ukraine with long-range Taurus missiles.

(ał)

Source: PAP, Reuters