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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nInstead of delivering the German-made Taurus missiles that Kyiv had long requested, Merz gave way to the beginning of a new form of military and industrial cooperation between the two allies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This will be formalized in a declaration of intent to be signed by their respective defense ministers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The agreement will cover the \u201cacquisition of long-range weapons systems manufactured in Ukraine,\u201d Merz said, adding that there will be \u201cno range restrictions,\u201d allowing Ukraine to strike military targets beyond its borders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a parallel statement, the German Ministry of Defense said the memorandum will enable the production of a \u201csignificant quantity\u201d of long-range weapons this year, with the first systems expected to be operational within weeks, without the need for additional training for Ukrainian troops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Zelenskyy did not refer to specific weapons systems but noted that the agreement involves funding for existing projects to reach the necessary \u201cquantities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also mentioned the manufacture of drones and their role in protecting Ukrainian soldiers on the battlefield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Russia dodges peace talks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n Both leaders emphasized the need to increase pressure on the Kremlin, including through an 18th round of European sanctions, in light of Moscow\u2019s unwillingness to engage in ongoing peace efforts initiated this month in Istanbul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Merz said while Moscow has, in theory, agreed to continue talks, it is now stalling by failing to present its position on the terms for ending the conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He emphasized that Ukraine and its allies have spared no effort to bring Russia to the negotiating table. \u201cIn the past three weeks, there have been more attempts than in the entire duration of the war,\u201d he said, calling Russia\u2019s recent missile strikes on Kyiv a \u201cslap in the face.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe will increase pressure on Russia, not just to weaken its war machine, but also to bring it to the negotiating table,\u201d Merz stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Zelenskyy accused Russia of repeatedly making \u201cexcuses\u201d and using a \u201cpolicy of procrastination,\u201d rejecting all proposals under various pretexts. \u201cOnly pressure will bring results,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Ukrainian president expressed frustration that Moscow had initially promised to send a document before a recent prisoner exchange, then again afterward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But even after Ukraine\u2019s defense minister followed up with the Russian negotiator, the document was never delivered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A victory for Putin<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n![\"German](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/efe.com\/\/srv\/htdocs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/rss-efe6ff44505e74c9527f696627a65632c46622d65cfw.webp?fit=1920%2C1281&ssl=1\")
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