Starlink and missiles: Germany announces new phase of support for Ukraine

"There will be no restrictions on long-range weapons — Ukraine will be able to fully defend itself and also strike military targets beyond its territory. This marks the beginning of a new form of military-industrial cooperation between our countries," said Merz.

According to him, Ukraine and Germany will hold intergovernmental consultations at the end of the year for the first time in many years.

"Almost all federal government ministers are now closely cooperating with their Ukrainian counterparts. And we will continue to expand this cooperation," the Chancellor said.

He clarified that the statement of intent between the defense ministers of Ukraine and Germany would be signed today.

"This is about close cooperation in the production of long-range weapons. We want to make this production possible. We also want joint production. We will support this," he noted.

At the same time, Merz specified that new agreements will not be announced publicly. However, Germany and Ukraine will strengthen their cooperation and "ensure that the Ukrainian army receives everything it needs."

"Today, we have taken the first step in the right direction. I mean the production of long-range weapons between Ukraine and Germany. This will be a cooperative effort. We are talking about industrial-scale production. And it will take place — and can take place — both in Ukraine and in Germany," Merz emphasized.

What Zelenskyy said

At the same time, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that he welcomes the new agreements on joint projects with Germany.

"We will not disclose all the details publicly. But today we have reached agreements on investment in production in Ukraine — primarily in weaponry. This includes drone manufacturing, which is one of the most effective ways to protect the lives of our soldiers," he said.

He also emphasized that representatives of the Ukrainian and German governments signed agreements on cooperation, construction, and the development of manufacturing.

Risk of Starlink restrictions

Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, currently serves as the primary means of communication on the front lines in Ukraine. The satellite network enables the military, government, and civilians to maintain communication both in the rear and in active combat zones.

However, at the end of February this year, media outlets reported that Washington had raised the issue of potentially disconnecting Ukraine from Starlink amid negotiations with Kyiv over rare earth elements. The European Commission is also exploring how to support Ukraine in the event of restricted access to the Starlink network. Eutelsat CEO Eva Berneke has addressed whether her satellite operator could replace Musk’s network in Ukraine.

Merz’s statement on weapons

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently stated that there are no longer any restrictions on the range of Western weapons used by Ukraine.

"There are no restrictions on the weapons supplied to Ukraine — neither from the British, nor from the French, nor from our side, and also not from the Americans," he said.

Later, he clarified that he was referring to a previously made decision that specifically lifted those restrictions.

"In that sense, yesterday in Berlin I described what has already been happening for several months," Merz explained.