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Merz says talks underway with partners to increase air defense supplies for Ukraine

This is currently its weakest point, the German chancellor said

BERLIN, September 29. /TASS/. Berlin is holding talks with its partners on increasing supplies for Ukraine’s air defense, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said.

He noted that consultations on further assistance to Ukraine are underway ahead of the next European Council meeting, scheduled for October 15 and 16 in Brussels. "We are also discussing very specific support for the Ukrainian budget," Merz said at a joint news conference with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Berlin. He added that the discussions also cover improving Ukraine’s air defense system.

"In my personal conversations with a number of heads of state and government around the world, I am also seeking to help arrange the relevant supplies for Ukraine’s air defense. This is currently its weakest point," the German chancellor said, adding that the coming winter could be "very difficult" for Ukraine.

Merz noted that the situation around Ukraine was among the topics discussed at his meeting with Tokayev. During the talks, the German chancellor said, he outlined his country’s position on the issue and stated that Germany would continue to support Kiev.

Germany is Ukraine’s largest donor. Since February 24, 2022, Berlin has provided Kiev with about 43.3 billion euros in humanitarian aid and 57.6 billion euros in military assistance. The total volume of German aid to Ukraine over this period has therefore exceeded 100.9 billion euros.

Russia has repeatedly stated that arms supplies to the Kiev regime only prolong the conflict in Ukraine.

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