Germany, Ukraine are strategic defence partners, Pistorius says

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced a shift on Monday in Germany's relationship with Ukraine, from aid recipient to defence partner, saying the two countries would work together on the development of new weapons systems.

"We are strategic partners. On the one hand, we continue to support you in your defensive struggle, but on the other we are increasingly building a structured, long-term partnership to be reckoned with," Pistorius said in Kiev, where he met his Ukrainian counterpart Mykhailo Fedorov. 

The focus would be on the joint development of "state-of-the-art unmanned systems across all ranges, particularly in the area of deep strike," Pistorius said upon arrival. He later named the exchange of data and analytical tools for rapid battlefield situational awareness as further key priorities.

Deep strike refers to the ability to destroy important targets far behind enemy lines. European NATO partners still have capability gaps in long-range weapons, which Pistorius said need to be closed as quickly as possible.

Pistorius and Fedorov signed a declaration of intent on cooperation through the 'Brave One' platform, which supports developers who demonstrate promising innovations. The aim is also to create further German-Ukrainian joint ventures.

Fedorov thanked Germany for its support over recent years, and said that Berlin's unprecedented air defence and infrastructure protection packages made it the world's top supporter. 

Referring to the course of the war, he said: "The Russians are being ground down," according to a translation provided by the meeting hosts. 

Germany to benefit from Ukrainian war experience

Ukraine has developed extensive weapons of its own to compensate for a lack of longer-range arms. Now in the fifth year of its defence against Russian aggression, the country is regarded as a world leader in drone warfare, with new operational methods derived from hard-won frontline experience.

Russia's forces are coming under increasing pressure from Ukraine's resistance, backed by NATO states, first and foremost Germany. In April, the Russian military lost more territory in Ukraine than it was able to occupy, for the first time in years.

Ukrainian drones are hitting targets far behind the front at increasingly short intervals, putting Russian troops under growing pressure. At the same time, the fighting remains largely deadlocked, with little movement on the battlefield.

In April alone, Russia recorded 35,000 dead and wounded, according to Western military figures.

After the ceasefire: what next?

Concern is mounting over the expiry on Monday of the ceasefire agreed between Russia and Ukraine, under the mediation of US President Donald Trump. 

The agreement was linked to celebrations in Russia marking the anniversary of the Soviet Union's World War II victory over Nazi Germany. Russian President Vladimir Putin wanted to ensure an uninterrupted military parade in Moscow, while Ukraine used the occasion to push for a longer ceasefire.

Pistorius expressed scepticism about Putin's declaration that the war was nearing its end. 

"If he sees the end of this war approaching, he could simply end this war," he said. At the same time, Putin was attaching conditions, Pistorius said, noting that it may be another deception manoeuvre. 

Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure throughout the course of the war.

Germany seeks to mobilize capital

Germany recently expanded its support for Ukraine. The government wants more private German investors to put money into Ukrainian defence companies and joint ventures.

To this end, the Defence Ministry in Berlin recently hosted a video conference with Ukrainian government representatives, with banks, funds and other financial sector actors participating for the first time.

In mid-April, the German government agreed a "strategic partnership" with Ukraine during government consultations and pledged further military aid.

Germany is to finance a Ukrainian contract with US defence company Raytheon for the delivery of several hundred Patriot missiles. An agreement was also reached with German company Diehl Defence for the delivery of further launchers for Iris-T air defence systems.

The production of medium- and longer-range drones was also agreed. A joint venture is planned with the aim of delivering thousands of drones.

Germany and Ukraine's other supporters say they aim to give Kiev the strongest possible position in any peace negotiations with Russia and to ensure Moscow cannot dictate the terms of a settlement to the country it attacked.