The idea is to better integrate the group’s work with NATO's Ukraine aid mission and the smattering of so-called capability coalitions.

Germany and Ukraine strike a deal to jointly develop weapons with "no range restrictions," as the Kremlin says Trump's jabs at Putin are due to him "not being informed."

In the latest sign of a warming relationship, President Volodymyr Zelensky met in Berlin with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who said Germany would increase funding for arms production and supplies.

Germany lifts range restrictions on weapons to Ukraine, allowing attacks on Russian military positions. Chancellor Merz emphasizes Western support amid conflict.

Speaking at the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Brussels, Pistorius said the initiative, dubbed Urgent Air Defense Action, will also include Belgium, Italy, Sweden, Estonia, and Turkey. The minister noted that Germany has already transferred a quarter of its Patriot batteries to Ukraine and can spare no more.

Germany launched a fresh bid on Wednesday to chase down more air defence systems for Ukraine, which in past weeks has suffered some of the heaviest Russian attacks since the full-scale invasion in 2022.

The scope and timing of a potential Russian counterattack was still unclear as of Wednesday afternoon, the German defense minister said.

Europe has the money and the artillery shells, but key U.S. capabilities like operational intelligence and air defense would be difficult to replace.