Germany, Ukraine Sign Agreement to Produce Long-Range Missiles in Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a joint initiative for the industrial production of long-range missiles and weapons systems to be manufactured both in Ukraine and Germany, with no range limits imposed on their use. This military-industrial cooperation represents a significant shift toward direct investment in Ukrainian weapons manufacturing, supported by a new agreement signed by the German and Ukrainian defense ministers, financing production on Ukrainian territory. Merz emphasized the importance of enabling Ukraine to defend itself fully against Russian aggression, highlighting recent Russian military escalations as undermining peace efforts. Zelenskyy stressed the need to increase the quantity of such weapons to meet Ukraine's defense needs, aligning with broader calls for enhanced domestic weapons production amid waning Western support. The agreement and cooperation have drawn a critical response from Russia, which views these developments as provocative. Germany’s commitment marks a notable intensification of support for Ukraine’s long-term defense capabilities amid ongoing conflict.