Merz Says He Is Personally Negotiating More Air Defense Deliveries for Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he is personally holding talks with a number of heads of state and government about securing additional deliveries of air defense equipment for Ukraine.

Merz did not specify which countries or leaders he has been in contact with, nor did he provide a timeline for when any additional deliveries might be finalised or arrive in Ukraine. His comments underscore Germany's continued role as one of the more active Western governments coordinating military support for Kyiv.

Ukraine has repeatedly appealed to its Western partners for more air defense systems to counter Russian missile and drone strikes on its cities and energy infrastructure, particularly as the country heads into another winter season during which such attacks have historically intensified.

Germany has previously supplied Ukraine with various air defense systems as part of a broader package of military assistance coordinated with other European Union and NATO members. Merz's remarks suggest ongoing efforts to expand that support, though the outcome of the discussions he referenced has not yet been made public.

The chancellor's comments come amid continued diplomatic engagement among Western leaders over the war, including discussions on longer-term security guarantees and reconstruction support for Ukraine.