German formin announces new arms supplies to Ukraine at briefing with Estonian formin

KYIV - German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announced on Thursday that Germany will soon deliver new batches of weapons to Ukraine to help the country defend itself against further Russian attacks, Ukrinform reports.

Baerbock said this at a joint press conference with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna in Berlin.

Baerbock announced that in the coming months, Germany would provide Ukraine with additional air defense systems, guided missiles, drones and radars.

She emphasized that real peace does not come through surrender, noting that those pressuring Ukraine to make concessions were not negotiating peace but paving the way for further escalation.

A ceasefire on Putin's terms, she said, would not mark the end of the war but rather serve as a prelude to another offensive.

She described Germany's response to Putin's war as "peace through strength" -- achieved through European unity and determination.

She also stressed that European sanctions would remain in place until a lasting peace was achieved.

Baerbock also welcomed the European Commission's proposal for strengthening Europe's defense industry, calling it an important signal. She expressed confidence that establishing a European Defense Union was only a matter of time. According to her, this initiative is not just about better-coordinated and strengthened armaments but also about ensuring Europe's political ability to act.

She stressed that if individual EU members were blocking defense initiatives, delaying accession talks with Ukraine, or stalling sanction packages, this demonstrated the urgent need to reform the EU's decision-making process. She called for a shift toward qualified majority voting to enhance the EU's ability to act and strengthen collective security.

Tsahkna met with Baerbock in Berlin on Thursday to discuss further steps in supporting Ukraine, raising the cost of the war for Russia and reinforcing Europe’s defence capabilities.

Tsahkna also presented his German colleague with the Foreign Ministry’s Cross of Merit, 1st Class.

The minister thanked Germany for its contribution to boosting the deterrence and defense posture in our region through its participation in Baltic air policing and the deployment of troops in Lithuania. He also highlighted Germany’s recent decision to ease its debt rules that allows Germany to increase its defense spending considerably.

"The decision by each individual country to invest more in defence strengthens collective security and in the current security situation and in light of the seriousness of the Russian threat, it is the only right course," Tsahkna said, noting that Estonia planned to raise its defense spending to 5 percent of GDP as early as next year.

The meeting included an in-depth discussion on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and how to support Ukraine both militarily and on its path to European Union membership.

Tsahkna underlined the need to further limit Russia’s ability to wage war.

"The European Union must adopt a strong 17th sanctions package and make a decision about the mobilization of the frozen sovereign assets of Russia," the foreign minister said. "We cannot risk the possibility that only in a few months the aggressor gets back its assets."

Tsahkna said that Russia continuing to attack Ukraine and constantly issuing new demands shows that Russia has not given up on its goals and hopes to achieve these goals on the battlefield.

During the meeting, Tsahkna presented his German counterpart with the Foreign Ministry’s Cross of Merit, 1st Class, for her contribution to supporting Ukraine and upholding European values.

"In more than three years as foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock has proven her commitment to Ukraine, Europe, and the security of the alliance that unites us," Tsahkna said when presenting the decoration.

As part of his visit, Tsahkna also attended the Europe 2025 security conference and met with several German politicians and thinktankers.