EU backs Germany’s step on long-range arms for Ukraine

She noted that the major European countries are now coming closer to the new German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, based on the principle that Ukraine's security is also Europe's security.

Metsola emphasized that it was a strong and bold policy, noting that every day, companies and young people, especially in countries far from Ukraine, had doubts about the need to help Kyiv. However, she stressed that people should never lose the courage to acknowledge that Ukrainians were also fighting for their security every day

The President of the European Parliament was asked whether Merz's decision to purchase long-range systems made in Ukraine was a courageous choice or a risky one. Metsola replied that she considered Chancellor Merz's statement very strong. She added that Europe has been waiting for many years to hear such strong statements from Germany.

She said that they had waited too long to grant Ukrainians licenses to produce weapons. She recalled President Zelenskyy’s frustration, noting that he had urged European leaders to allow Ukraine to produce weapons, arguing that at least they wouldn't face problems with exports.

Germany steps up aid to Ukraine

On Wednesday, May 28, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy paid an official visit to Berlin. It was his first trip to Germany since Friedrich Merz took over as head of the German government.

At a joint press conference, Merz announced the expansion of military aid to Ukraine. According to him, Germany will cover a significant part of the costs of Starlink satellite communications for Ukraine.

The Chancellor said that Defense Ministers would sign an agreement that day to purchase long-range systems made in Ukraine, adding that there would be no restrictions on long-range weapons and that Ukraine would be able to fully defend itself

The Defense Ministers of Ukraine and Germany signed an agreement to finance long-range weapons made in Ukraine.