Zelenskyy in Berlin: Ukraine Support & Russia Attacks
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Wednesday as Ukraine seeks further military support.The meeting comes amid an escalation in Russia's bombing campaign,...
- Germany has been the second-largest provider of military aid to Ukraine, trailing only the United States.
- Separately,German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul was scheduled to meet with U.S.
President Zelenskyy’s critical meeting with German Chancellor Merz in Berlin centers on securing vital military aid amidst Russia’s intensifying attacks, including the largest drone assault of the war. Ukraine desperately needs long-range weapons and additional financial support to counter escalating drone and missile production. News Directory 3 reports on Germany’s commitment as the second-largest provider of military aid, while the meeting’s outcome could substantially impact the conflict’s trajectory. Discover what’s next in this pivotal moment.
Zelenskyy Seeks German Support Amid Escalating Ukraine War
Updated May 28, 2025
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Wednesday as Ukraine seeks further military support.The meeting comes amid an escalation in Russia’s bombing campaign, despite ongoing U.S.-led efforts to find a path to peace.
Germany has been the second-largest provider of military aid to Ukraine, trailing only the United States. merz, who assumed leadership three weeks ago, has engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire and maintain Western support for Ukraine. European leaders have accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of stalling U.S.-led peace talks.
Separately,German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul was scheduled to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Wednesday.
Zelenskyy stated Tuesday that Ukraine is prepared for high-level peace talks,possibly including a trilateral meeting with himself,Putin,and U.S. President Donald trump.He indicated adaptability regarding the format of talks, whether a single trilateral meeting or separate discussions with Trump.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged russia’s gratitude for Trump’s mediation efforts. However, Peskov emphasized the need to address numerous nuances that neither party would compromise due to national interests. He added that Moscow would “soon” deliver its promised memorandum outlining a framework for a peace settlement.
Merz said Monday that Germany and its allies are no longer restricting the range of weapons supplied to Ukraine. Though, the German government remains ambiguous about supplying Taurus long-range cruise missiles, a step advocated by Merz when he was in the opposition.
Taurus missiles, with a range of up to 310 miles, could strike targets deep within Russia. Ukraine seeks these missiles to complement long-range Storm Shadow missiles from britain and Scalp cruise missiles from France.
Zelenskyy said he intends to discuss the supply and use of long-range weapons with Merz. He noted that he has not received any indication that Germany’s policy on limiting the use of Western weapons against Russian targets has changed.
Ukraine needs an additional $30 billion to compete with Russia in drone and missile production, according to Zelenskyy. He claimed Russia aims to produce 300 to 350 drones daily.
Fighting continues along the 620-mile front line, where ukraine’s army faces manpower shortages. Zelenskyy claimed Russia mobilizes up to 45,000 men monthly, compared to Ukraine’s 25,000 to 27,000.
Both sides continue deep strikes.Russia launched its largest drone attack against Ukraine on Sunday. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported downing 296 Ukrainian drones over 13 regions late Tuesday and early Wednesday, in what appeared to be a major Ukrainian drone assault. Ukraine is increasing its domestic production of drones and missiles, seeking European investment in attack drones, air defense interceptors, cruise missiles, and ballistic systems.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that air defenses shot down 33 Ukrainian drones approaching the capital.Moscow airports experienced delays and diversions. Andrei Vorobyov, governor of the Moscow region, said 42 drones were downed, with fragments damaging three residential buildings in Troitskoye.
Overnight, Russian forces attacked Ukraine with five Iskander ballistic missiles, one guided air-launched missile, and 88 drones, according to Ukraine’s Air Force. Air defense units shot down 34 drones, and 37 were jammed. Ukraine’s state railway company, Ukrzaliznytsia, reported that railway infrastructure in the Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Sumy regions came under fire, with no reported casualties. Railway traffic was temporarily suspended in the Kharkiv region due to debris on the tracks.
What’s next
The ongoing discussions between Zelenskyy and Merz are crucial for ukraine as it seeks to bolster its defenses and maintain international support amid the intensifying conflict with Russia. The potential provision of long-range weapons and increased financial assistance could significantly impact the balance of power on the battlefield.