Merz admitted an increase in the supply of air defense for Ukraine

Germany is negotiating with other EU countries to increase the supply of air defense systems to Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said this during a joint press conference with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Berlin.

Mr Merz said the coming winter could be "very difficult" for Ukraine. In the course of personal conversations with a number of heads of state and government of countries of the world, I also seek to facilitate the organization of deliveries for Ukrainian air defense. This is the weakest point now, the chancellor said (the APT YouTube channel broadcast).

Friedrich Merz noted that the parties are also discussing “very specific support” for the Ukrainian budget. The talks are underway in preparation for the next European Council meeting, which will take place on 15 and 16 October in Brussels. According to the German Chancellor, he raised the issue of the Ukrainian crisis during a meeting with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and outlined Berlin’s position on continuing assistance to Kiev.

In September, Germany received preliminary consent from the United States to transfer ten missiles for Patriot systems to Ukraine. According to the agreement, other European countries will be able to share with Kiev the remaining stockpiles of such missiles. However, on September 28, EU defence ministers failed to agree on the transfer.