Ukrainian President in Berlin
In Eastern Europe, a significant development is unfolding as Germany and Ukraine announce plans to collaborate on the development of missiles. This move comes amidst growing tension between Ukraine and its neighbour, Russia, which has been in conflict with Ukraine since 2014 over territories such as the Crimean Peninsula and eastern Ukraine.
The conflict, which escalated into a full-scale invasion by Russia in 2022, has resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life. Ukraine, a country almost twice as large as Germany but with fewer inhabitants, has been receiving support from Germany in its struggle against Russia.
Germany's Chancellor, Merz, has stated that Germany wants to help Ukraine's military even more. As part of this effort, Germany is providing weapons, ammunition, and medical aid, with an additional €5 billion pledged.
One of the collaborative projects between Germany and Ukraine is the joint production and technical support of Gepard air defense systems. Discussions have also taken place about supplying Ukrainian soldiers with ASRAAM and Storm Shadow rockets. Germany has already delivered the Skyranger mobile air defense system by Rheinmetall to Ukraine for drone defense.
However, Russia disapproves of Germany's support for Ukraine, stating that it is contributing to the continuation of the war. Russia, a large country primarily located in Asia with a smaller part in Europe, started attacking Ukraine more than three years ago.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, remains a stronghold of resistance. Interestingly, many people in Ukraine speak both Ukrainian and Russian. Ukraine, formerly part of the Soviet Union, gained independence in 1991.
The military, or the soldiers of a country, are playing a crucial role in this conflict. The specific type of missiles that Germany and Ukraine are developing is not yet specified.
This collaboration between Germany and Ukraine is a significant development in the ongoing conflict and is likely to have far-reaching implications for the region. The international community will be closely watching the situation as it unfolds.
