ALBAWABA- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin, asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks territorial control over Ukraine rather than genuine peace.
In a post on X, Zelensky claimed that "the signals coming from Russia are the exact opposite, taking the form of official orders to their army. This Russian mindset must be recognized – and acted upon. When Russia is in this mindset, it will also undermine diplomacy – seeking, through diplomatic language and pressure over specific points in documents, to merely mask its desire to destroy Ukraine and Ukrainians, and the desire to legitimize Russia’s theft of our land. And then come other countries in Europe, which someone in Russia might one day label their so‑called “historical lands.”
Zelensky, addressing ongoing U.S.-mediated negotiations, called for strong security guarantees and rejected land concessions, noting that Russia’s demands, including troop withdrawals from Donetsk, reflect expansionist objectives, not reconciliation.
The Berlin summit, which included U.S. envoys, made progress toward a framework incorporating European security pledges, with talks extending into December 16 to align on a potential resolution.
In parallel, Ukraine and Germany strengthened defense cooperation. German company Quantum Systems and Ukrainian firm Frontline Robotics launched a joint venture, Quantum Frontline Industries, to manufacture combat drones in Germany.
The €100 million deal targets 10,000 units in 2026 and is part of Germany’s 10-point plan supporting joint production and market integration. Additional agreements worth over €1.2 billion cover Patriot missile components and drone systems.
Germany also accelerated defense spending, with its parliamentary budget committee approving more than €50 billion on December 17 for missiles, vehicles, and systems, reflecting a multi-year effort to meet NATO-aligned targets.
Separately, eight EU eastern and northern flank leaders at the Helsinki summit on December 16 declared Russia the “most significant, direct and long-term threat” to Euro-Atlantic security.
They called for immediate prioritization of eastern defense in light of ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine, highlighting the continent’s enduring security challenges.
