Germany says it benefits from Ukraine cooperation, announces new defense measures

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Tuesday that Germany is learning from Ukraine in drone technology and cyber defense, as Berlin announced new measures to deepen bilateral defense cooperation.

Speaking at a roundtable discussion on April 28, 2026, that included government officials from both sides and representatives from German industry, Pistorius said Germany benefits from its military support for Ukraine. "Ukraine is a country that, out of necessity, has developed an unbelievable capacity for innovation and speed," Pistorius said. "They do not develop technologies under laboratory conditions, but rather — quite literally — on the battlefield."

Pistorius said the German Defense Ministry plans to send more military attaches to the German embassy in Kyiv to serve as points of contact for closer defense cooperation. German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche, who also attended the talks, announced plans to establish a dedicated liaison office for German companies seeking to collaborate with Ukraine.

German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said after the talks that Germany's 2027 budget — scheduled to be presented on Wednesday — will demonstrate the government's continued support for Ukraine. Per earlier announcements, Germany is set to provide Ukraine with €11.6 billion ($13.6 billion) in 2027, followed by €8.5 billion annually between 2028 and 2030.