Russia will check the data on the lifting of the Federal Republic of Germany's restrictions on the range of missiles for Ukraine, Germany is directly involved in the war. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in a comment to journalist Pavel Zarubin, TASS reported, BTA reported.
"If I understood what I read correctly, (German Chancellor Friedrich) Merz stated at a press conference that from the very beginning he had in mind financing the production of missiles of all ranges in Ukraine. It is alleged that this is not about the supply of German missiles. It needs to be checked," Lavrov said. "Both of these incite tension and support the war. Germany is directly intervening in this war."
"Germany is sliding down the same slippery slope it has already been on several times in the past century - down to its own collapse. I hope that responsible politicians in this country will draw the right conclusion and stop the madness", the Russian foreign minister said.
According to Lavrov, Berlin's decisions are "increasing tensions", Reuters notes.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius signed an agreement in Berlin today to finance the production of long-range weapons in Ukraine, Ukrinform reported, BTA reported.
"Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov signed an agreement in Berlin to finance long-range weapons produced in Ukraine. A contract was also concluded between Ukraine and the German arms industry, the German Defense Ministry said in a statement.
The agreement is based on "Germany's commitment to invest directly in Ukrainian arms production".
"A significant number of these long-range weapon systems are expected to be produced by 2025. The weapon systems will be quickly available to the Ukrainian Armed Forces - the first of them can be deployed in just a few weeks. Since they are already in service with the Ukrainian Armed Forces, no additional training is required," the statement noted.
Germany will also continue to supply ammunition to the Ukrainian army. In addition to the previously announced deliveries of artillery ammunition in 2025 "additional ammunition packages for various weapon systems - including key air defense systems" will be delivered. Germany will also supply Ukraine with ground weapon systems and small arms.
It is also noted that the Ukrainian Minister of Defense and the German defense company Diehl signed a contract for the supply of air defense systems and related ammunition in the presence of Minister Pistorius.
Germany will also finance repair facilities in Ukraine, and for this purpose defense companies from both countries will create a joint venture.
In addition, the financing of a significant part of Ukraine's satellite communications was finalized, "which guarantees the continuous operation of the satellite system for a long period of time". Germany will also finance the communication systems of the Ukrainian military command and the production of medical equipment in Ukraine.
"The above-mentioned support for the Ukrainian armed forces amounts to approximately five billion euros. The money comes from funds already approved by the Bundestag. Partial direct investments in the Ukrainian defense industry and cooperation between defense companies are the declared goal of the German government for the long-term and sustainable strengthening of Ukraine's defense capabilities“, the German Defense Ministry said.
As previously reported, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Germany will finance the production of Ukrainian long-range weapon systems and there will be no restrictions on the scope of their use.