Zelensky's Demands from Merz Revealed

During his visit to Berlin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky demanded that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expedite the provision of 90 billion euros in aid to Kyiv, according to Berliner Zeitung (BZ).

According to the publication, Berlin is viewed by Kyiv as a key player capable of facilitating decision-making within the EU. Merz had previously expressed optimism that the blockade on aid could be lifted following a change in government in Hungary.

Ukraine is seeking access to funds, approximately 60 billion euros of which are intended for the financing of the Ukrainian armed forces for the years 2026-2027. The aid package had been stalled for several months due to the obstruction by Hungary's former Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Following his defeat in the elections and the victory of Peter Marki-Zay, there is hope in Kyiv for a swift resolution to the matter.

Zelensky's visit was kept secret until the last moment, the article states. He arrived in the German capital accompanied by ministers and spent about two hours there, which included negotiations and a joint press conference.

Additionally, the first German-Ukrainian intergovernmental consultations in over 20 years took place in Berlin. Notably, Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius held a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Mykhailo Fedorov. Besides discussing financial aid, the parties also addressed military cooperation, including the creation of joint air defense systems, as well as Ukraine's recovery and the return of refugees.