Fedorov, Pistorius agree to launch Brave Germany program to boost defense innovation

Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius have signed a letter of intent in Kyiv to launch Brave Germany, a joint program aimed at developing defense technologies and supporting innovative startups.

According to an Ukrinform correspondent, Fedorov said at a briefing following the signing ceremony that Germany is currently the world's number one country in terms of security assistance to Ukraine.

"Today, Germany is the number one country in the world in terms of security assistance to Ukraine. It accounts for about one third of all assistance to our country. And I would also like to separately thank Germany for the quality of its support and for supporting key areas of our defense, first and foremost air defense," Fedorov said.

According to him, this includes the procurement of hundreds of missiles for Patriot systems, which have been provided and financed by Germany.

1 / 6

He also noted that Ukraine and Germany recently signed a major contract that Germany has already begun financing.

"Next year we will start receiving these missiles, and this is an unprecedented aid package for us," Fedorov said, adding that thanks to financing for additional missiles, Ukraine was able to get through the winter and protect critical infrastructure.

Read also: Germany seeks to expand joint deep strike weapons production with Ukraine – Pistorius

"In winter, at the personal initiative of Mr Boris [Pistorius] at the UDCG [Ukraine Defense Contact Group] in the Ramstein format, he initiated support for an additional PAC-3 package for our country so that in January, February and March, when Russia was attacking our critical infrastructure, we could receive missiles from European stockpiles. This was an unprecedented initiative," he said.

Fedorov also thanked Germany for other areas of support in air defense, including financing interceptor drones, IRIS-T systems, and missiles for them.

"Germany has also started financing middle strike and deep strike capabilities, which are very important, and as our president says, these are our 'long-range sanctions.' Middle strikes allow us today to disrupt the enemy's logistics. So again, this is about the quality of support and funding for the most relevant areas," Fedorov added.

Fedorov said Germany has also allocated initial funds to support drone assault units of Ukraine's Defense Forces in order to achieve more effective results on the battlefield. In addition, he noted that the Czech initiative, long-range artillery, and other programs are also being funded through German assistance.

He stressed that both sides are continuing to move according to the plan approved at the most recent UDCG meeting.

Fedorov said that recent months have shown a positive trend in the destruction of enemy forces, and Russia currently lacks the strength to continue offensive operations.

"Russia does not have enough forces to continue offensive operations. The Ukrainian army is exhausting the Russians. The same is happening with deep strikes, because Ukraine has fully seized the initiative in this area as well," Fedorov said.

He added that effective organization, the necessary weapons, and strong international support would enable Ukraine to achieve its goals and secure a just peace.

Pistorius arrived on a surprise visit to Kyiv on Monday, May 11.

Photo credit: Daniiar Sarsenov