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Germany benefits from work with Ukraine — defense minister

Zac Crellin with Reuters, AFP
April 28, 2026

The German defense minister said Ukraine was quick to develop new, battlefield-tested technologies. And the German government announced several measures to increase defense cooperation between the two countries.

https://p.dw.com/p/5CyDI
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy holding a drone in Berlin
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (left) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have previously touted Ukraine's drone know-how [FILE: Feb 13, 2026]Image: Thilo Schmuelgen/REUTERS

Germany benefits from its military support for Ukraine, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Tuesday.

At a roundtable discussion that included government officials from both sides as well as representatives from German industry, Pistorius said Germany is learning from Ukraine in fields like drone technology and cyber defense.

"Ukraine is a country that, out of necessity, has developed an unbelievable capacity for innovation and speed," Pistorius said.

"They do not develop technologies under laboratory conditions, but rather — quite literally — on the battlefield."

Germany and Ukraine agree new strategic partnership

Germany to keep up military support for Ukraine

Pistorius said the German Defense Ministry plans to send more military attaches to the German embassy in Kyiv to serve as points of contact for closer defense cooperation.

German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche, who also attended the talks, announced plans to establish a dedicated liaison office for German companies seeking to collaborate with Ukraine.

Meanwhile, German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said after the talks that Germany's 2027 budget — scheduled to be presented on Wednesday — will demonstrate the government's continued support for Ukraine.

Per earlier announcements, Germany is set to provide Ukraine with €11.6 billion ($13.6 billion) in 2027, followed by €8.5 billion annually between 2028 and 2030.

Edited by: Srinivas Mazumdaru

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