Pistorius to visit US to discuss support for Ukraine

German Defense Ministry spokesperson Mitko Mueller said this at a press briefing on Monday, July 7, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"The minister will be in Washington in about a week and will hold an exchange of views with his counterpart," the spokesperson said.

According to him, the main focus of the talks will be long-term support for Ukraine in the area of air defense, specifically air defense systems and the ammunition required for them.

"This is what Ukraine needs," Mueller said, adding that Ukraine also needs long-range weapons.

He noted that Germany intends to invest in their production directly in Ukraine, as there are existing facilities there that German partners wish to utilize.

Supporting Ukraine is a long-term effort, the German side is in ongoing communication with the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and coordination is handled by a special Ukraine-focused task force within the German Defense Ministry that has been operating for three years, the spokesperson added.

German Federal Foreign Office spokesperson Kathrin Deschauer also stated that Berlin remains in constant dialogue with its partners, including the United States.

"We are united by a common goal: this brutal war that Putin started three years ago must end, and Ukraine must enter negotiations from a position of strength. That includes our continued support. As the German government, we are doing everything we can and are committed to supporting Ukraine in multiple ways. This, of course, includes ongoing and robust support, especially in terms of security and politics. This is a fundamental position that is backed by concrete actions," she said.

According to Deschauer, political, economic, humanitarian, and security-related support for Ukraine is of utmost importance to Berlin. This was reaffirmed by last week's visit to Ukraine by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. She called the participation of several representatives from defense companies in that visit a "striking demonstration" of this commitment.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte earlier called on the United States to continue providing military aid to Ukraine, while also acknowledging Washington's concerns about the gradual depletion of its own ammunition stockpiles.