Defense Cooperation Meeting between Zelenskiy and German Chancellor Merz in Kiev

Zelenskiy met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who was in talks in his country, in the capital Kiev.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Merz after the bilateral meeting, Zelenskiy also evaluated the latest developments in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Stating that they had a productive meeting with Merz, Zelenskiy said, "Ukraine and Germany are currently jointly producing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Ukraine will purchase more weapons and equipment from Germany. Joint work on the creation of UAV units has begun in Germany. We are ready to help with training and experience." he said.

Stating that there are 15 different agreements and documents worth more than 8.5 billion euros between the two countries, Zelenskiy stated that Germany will provide military support to Ukraine worth more than 1 billion 300 million euros.

Zelenskiy emphasized that the Russian army continues its intense air strikes against cities in his country, especially Kiev.

Stating that the bridges in Kiev have started to be targeted in recent days, Zelenskiy said, "They are now targeting the bridges as well. Do they really think that we will not respond?" he said.

Zelenskiy stated that they are continuing their efforts to more successfully prevent attack-type unmanned aerial vehicles, also known as "jet-powered" ones, which Russia has been actively using lately.

Stating that small missiles produced locally in Ukraine will start to be used in the second half of October against the UAVs in question, Zelenskiy said, "I will not mention their names for now. There are several types." he said.

Zelenskiy noted that Ukraine's F-16 warplanes must fire 5,000 or 6,000 20-millimeter bullets against air attacks every day, and stated that they continue to hold talks with European leaders to get support on this issue.

Zelenskiy said that they have started to increase the defense capabilities here to protect the capital Kiev more effectively, and added, "Turrets are also being installed to resist attacks. 12 of them have been established in Kiev, 8 more are planned to be established. 50 more will be established in the region (Kiev region)." he said.

Stating that they are continuing to work with the US side to end the war, Zelenskiy said, "I met with the US negotiation team yesterday. The American side is in contact with Ukraine and Russia today and proposes to hold a technical meeting in a tripartite format by the end of October." shared his knowledge. Zelenskiy stated that he supports this offer of the USA.