Source: cbsnews.com
Image content: The image is a side-by-side collage showing two portrait photos. On the left is a woman facing the camera with a neutral expression, and on the right is a man in what appears to be a uniform, smiling slightly.
Summary
Germany’s new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, unveiled a markedly tougher Ukraine policy by pledging a joint German-Ukrainian program to develop and produce long-range weapons without range restrictions, enabling strikes on military targets inside Russia. During President Zelenskyy’s Berlin visit, Germany committed a €5 billion support package, continued Starlink funding, air defenses, and ammunition, and signaled readiness to sign a missile cooperation memorandum. The shift drew sharp Kremlin warnings amid intensified fighting and drone strikes, while a U.N. report accused Russia of war crimes for systematic attacks on civilians. Diplomacy remains stalled as Moscow proposes talks with conditions Ukraine rejects, and both sides escalate military pressure across multiple fronts.
Key Points
- Germany and Ukraine will co-develop long-range weapons with no range limits.
- Berlin announced a €5bn aid package, air defenses, ammunition, and continued Starlink funding.
- Merz’s stance marks a policy shift from prior caution, prompting Kremlin rebukes.
- UN experts accuse Russia of war crimes tied to systematic drone strikes on civilians.
- Fighting intensifies as diplomacy falters, with Russia pressing in the northeast and Ukraine striking military targets inside Russia.