France and Germany will provide Ukraine with more air defense systems: details of the new agreement.

According to FREEДOM:

France and Germany strengthen support for Ukraine

France and Germany agreed to provide Ukraine with additional air defense systems and closely cooperate in the field of security. This statement was made by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron after the 25th meeting of the Franco-German Council of Ministers in Toulon. They also decided to begin a strategic dialogue on nuclear deterrence.

Berlin and Paris plan to strengthen security guarantees for Kyiv by increasing pressure on Russia and enhancing Ukraine's defense capabilities. This is emphasized in a joint statement following the defense council meeting. The leaders noted the urgent need for supplying air defense systems for Ukraine.

“In light of the massive Russian airstrikes on Ukraine and its population, as well as the consequences for our own security, France and Germany will provide Ukraine with additional air defense resources. We will also advocate for further contributions from allies and partners within the framework of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, NATO, the EU, and other organizations by reallocating resources from their own reserves,” the joint statement says.

Macron noted that Paris and Berlin are ready to implement new sanctions against the aggressor if Russia does not agree to a meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky by September 1. He added that Washington also supports sanctions pressure.

“As we clearly see, the gap between the positions that Putin holds at international summits or in relations with other leaders, and the reality on the battlefield shows how insincere he is. The next few days will be decisive. The pressure of additional sanctions will continue both from our side and from the United States to compel Russia to return to the negotiating table. At the same time, we must maintain our support for Ukraine,” said the President of France.

Commitments to strengthen the Ukrainian army

Friedrich Merz stressed that a strengthened army is a key guarantee of security for Kyiv. Paris and Berlin agreed to procure more military products from Ukraine to meet the financial needs of the defense sector. The acceleration of Kyiv's integration into European defense structures is also being discussed.

“The most important principle right now is the need for continuous strengthening of the Ukrainian armed forces in terms of armament, financing, and training. And we both bear responsibility here. Germany has the larger responsibility, and that will continue,” emphasized the head of the German federal government.

Emmanuel Macron expressed confidence that a strong Europe will be better able to withstand threats from Moscow. He emphasized that cooperation between Paris and Berlin should be the foundation for the region's development.

“I believe that today the Franco-German tandem is perfectly aligned in our actions aimed at strengthening Europe in economic, trade, and monetary terms, as well as in maintaining a geopolitical position in the face of the aggressive war waged by Russia against Ukraine. We are focused on preparing Europe for these challenges and on making decisions about rearmament to ensure our protection,” the President of France emphasized.

Merz also emphasized that Russia's aggressive actions destabilize the situation in Europe and threaten Germany's security. The German government is actively lobbying for additional funding for the army. On August 27, the Cabinet of Ministers adopted a bill on the introduction of voluntary military service.

“Russia is and will continue to be the biggest threat to freedom, peace, and stability in Europe. And the German government responds to this with determination. I sincerely appreciate that we are taking this step today. It brings us back on the path to a professional army,” Merz stated.

According to the reform plans, the number of armed forces in Germany is expected to increase from 180,000 to 460,000. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius reported that the bill aims to make contract service attractive to citizens to avoid the need for mandatory conscription.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz also noted that in the event of Ukraine's capitulation, dictator Putin may begin preparations for new aggression.