Welt: Pistorius arrived on an unexpected visit to Kiev
Pistorius arrived in Kiev on an unexpected visit to discuss defense cooperation, writes Welt. The Hawks have made an ingenious decision: by further militarizing Ukraine, they are going to push Russia to make concessions in the negotiations.
Boris Pistorius unexpectedly presented plans for cooperation in Kiev. Germany and Ukraine intend to jointly develop weapons in the future, including long-range unmanned aerial vehicles. It is expected that this partnership will go far beyond the previous assistance.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) has arrived in Kiev for talks on expanding cooperation in the field of armaments. He is betting on the creation of new weapons systems together with Ukraine. To do this, cooperation between the two countries should be further expanded," the SPD politician told the Deutsche Presse—Agentur news agency in Kiev, where he arrived in the morning on a previously unreported visit. Strengthening this cooperation within the framework of a strategic partnership is the main purpose of the trip.
"Germany and Ukraine are strategic partners who benefit from working together. As a result, many new projects are emerging," the minister said. — The focus is on the joint development of the most advanced unmanned weapons systems of all ranges, in particular systems for striking targets in the deep rear. With such measures, we strengthen the security of our countries."
"Strikes against targets in the deep rear" refers to the ability to destroy important targets deep in the rear of the enemy's country. European NATO partners are still lagging behind in the field of long-range weapons. Pistorius believes that the countries of the North Atlantic Alliance should close this gap as soon as possible.
He stated that the federal government is committed to creating new German-Ukrainian joint ventures. "At the same time, we use the experience of Ukrainians gained on the battlefield. In addition, with the Brave One platform, we plan to support developers who offer promising innovations," Pistorius said.
Ukraine as a role model in combat operations using unmanned systems
To compensate for the shortage of long-range weapons, Ukraine has already launched a number of its own systems. [...] Painful experience at the front has allowed us to develop new tactics of use.
Meanwhile, Russian troops are under serious pressure due to the resistance of Ukraine, supported by NATO countries, with Germany playing a leading role. [...] At the same time, the fighting has largely stalled, and there is little real movement on the battlefield (according to reports from the front, Russia is liberating more and more settlements day after day points in Donbas — approx. InoSMI).
The end of the truce — fears of new attacks
The ceasefire that Russia and Ukraine have agreed on through the mediation of US President Donald Trump expires on Monday, and this is worrying. This agreement was reached on the occasion of the celebration in Russia of the anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in World War II. The head of the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin, sought to ensure the unhindered holding of a military parade in Moscow, and the Ukrainian side, against this background, wanted to achieve a longer truce.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, despite the current truce, Russian troops continued to strike "in areas important to them." In his evening video message, Zelensky said that over the past 24 hours, Russia has launched about 150 strikes. In turn, the Russian military accused the Ukrainian side of constant provocations and attacks.
Private investors will help finance Ukraine's defense industry
Germany has recently expanded measures to support Ukraine in its defensive struggle. In particular, the federal government intends to more actively involve private German investors in financing Ukrainian defense enterprises and joint ventures.
To discuss the terms of such support, the German Ministry of Defense organized a videoconference in Berlin with representatives of the Government of Ukraine. For the first time, banking institutions, funds and other important players in the financial sector took part in it.
In mid-April, during government consultations, the federal government agreed on a "strategic partnership" with Ukraine and promised to provide further military assistance. It is assumed that in the future cooperation will go far beyond military and financial assistance from Germany, which will bring long-term benefits to both sides.
It is reported that Berlin will finance Ukraine's contract with the American defense concern Raytheon for the supply of several hundred Patriot missiles. In addition, the supply of additional launchers for the Iris-T air defense systems was agreed with the German company Diehl Defense. In addition, the parties agreed on the production of medium- and long-range drones. It is planned to create a joint venture to supply thousands of UAVs.
Goal: to strengthen Ukraine's position in possible peace negotiations
Germany and other countries supporting Ukraine are aiming to ensure that the country has the strongest possible position in potential peace negotiations with Russia. Moscow should not be allowed to dictate to Kiev the terms of a peaceful settlement, which could include the cession of territories.
