Latest news from Germany. Politics, economy, aid to Ukraine, Ukrainian refugees
At the ILA Berlin 2026 air show, Germany unveiled the Cobra 600 jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicle capable of launching IRIS-T missiles from up to 400 kilometers away from the operator. This could fundamentally change the architecture of air defense systems.
# Mercedes-Benz Signs Memorandum with Munich Startup Tytan Technologies Mercedes-Benz has signed a memorandum with Munich-based startup Tytan Technologies at the ILA air show in Berlin. Behind the scenes is a company whose drones have already been tested by Ukrainian military forces, a Bundeswehr contract worth hundreds of millions of euros, and a question: how far can the "niche activity" of Germany's largest automaker go?
# Translation At the ILA Berlin air show, German startup Stark unveiled two new drones: Cascade with a range of up to 100 km and Gambit with fiber-optic control. A notable detail — the fiber-optic cable makes Gambit immune to electronic warfare jamming, meaning this is no longer a marketing claim but rather a constructive solution.
Over 16 months, the number of Ukrainian men aged 18-63 in Germany increased by 58,000. Among new arrivals, they now account for 60% — and this is changing both the diplomatic tone and the logic of defense.
# German Interior Minister Rejects EU Push to End Border Controls, Cites Effectiveness Germany's Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has rejected the European Union's calls to abolish internal border checks, describing them as effective. Behind this decision lies a legal contradiction that could either strengthen or accelerate the erosion of the Schengen system.
Germany has launched the privatization of Uniper, a company that had to be rescued with state funds after Russia cut off gas supplies. Canadian private fund Brookfield is among potential buyers, but trade unions have already called the sale a "hostile act."
Through the Global Trade company, Russia received over 16,000 shipments worth more than 30 million euros — including equipment for its nuclear program. The scheme was uncovered by the BND after penetrating the network.
Manufacturers and suppliers have already cut 100,000 employees since 2019 — and this is just the beginning. According to an updated VDA forecast, the industry will lose another 125,000 jobs, and the reason is not only electric vehicles.
Bavaria police arrested a Ukrainian and a Latvian with a surveillance arsenal during a routine road check — but who exactly ordered them has not been officially named.
Germany's longest stagnation since World War II is forcing Berlin to bet on the defense sector. This creates jobs — but economists warn of a structural trap.
On the eve of Zelensky's first visit to Berlin under the new government, Bündnis 90/The Greens faction deputy chair Agnieszka Brügger publicly accused Merz of repeating Scholz's tactics and giving Russia time.
In Hagen, Viktor M. was arrested — he had been collecting information about a former member of the Ukrainian armed forces on assignment from Russian intelligence. German prosecutors believe it was preparation for an operation on EU territory.
A German carmaker is in talks with Rafael to produce air-defense components in Osnabrück — it's not just about jobs, but about strengthening the European defense industry. We break down what is actually being planned and what questions this raises for Ukraine.
Berlin has introduced a six-month temporary general licence for deliveries of air-defence and mine-clearing equipment — we explain how this will accelerate aid to Kyiv and which restrictions still apply.
Systemic work that isn't always visible in the headlines: the head of Rheinmetall says that stocks of missiles and air‑defense systems are "practically depleted." We examine how this affects the front lines, suppliers, and Ukraine's defense capability.
The President told the FT that he intended to show Donald Trump a tablet with a real-time operational picture of the fighting — not only a demonstration of technology, but also an attempt to convince the American leader of the price of every kilometer of our land.
Over the past year, the share of men among displaced Ukrainians in Germany has risen significantly. This is not just a statistic — the shift has consequences for employment, social policy, and for understanding the demographic makeup of the diaspora.
Group's net profit fell by roughly 44% — and these are more than just numbers: the company faces a choice between investing in modernization and severe cost-cutting. We examine who will be affected and what the consequences for European industry are — with an assessment for Ukraine.
A German startup and a U.S. chipmaker are integrating Dragonwing IQ10 processors with Neuraverse simulations. The move marks a step toward cognitive robots — with implications for industry, the labor market, and the military adaptation of technologies.
Oleksandra's second gold at the Junior World Championships, a third straight mass-start win at junior level, and Ukraine's fourth medal of the tournament — why this matters not just for the statistics but for the future of the national team.
At the Enforce Tac 2026 exhibition, German firm Dronivo unveiled Hildegard — a compact jet-powered UAV designed for fast precision strikes. We examine why such platforms matter on the battlefield and what challenges they pose to air-defence systems and industrial cooperation.
Nazar Chepurnyi won the World Cup stage in Cottbus — 14.716 points in the pommel horse final. The result is important as an indicator of the Ukrainian team's readiness at the start of the season.
Tehran has delivered a note of protest over a mass demonstration at the Munich conference. Why this matters for the West’s relations with Iran and what lessons Ukraine should draw — a concise analytical overview.
On board Air Force One, the US president reacted sharply to opponents’ speeches in Munich. We examine why these domestic political clashes have consequences for foreign policy and for Ukraine’s security.
Ben Hodges called Rubio's remarks "inadequate" and accused elements of American politics of pressuring Kyiv instead of Moscow. Why this matters right now — briefly and to the point.
The Great March was deliberately timed to coincide with a meeting of world leaders. We explain why this protest increases pressure on negotiations with Iran and why this matters for the security order that also involves Ukraine.
Macron's proposal to resume direct talks with the Kremlin puts the EU to a choice: a coordinated strategy or the risk of unilateral concessions. The president insists on coordination and U.S. participation.
At the Ukrainian lunch of the Munich conference, skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych addressed world leaders — briefly, personally and with a message of unity and remembrance. Why this matters for Ukraine’s diplomacy and image.
Russia is holding about 7,000 of our service members; Ukraine has over 4,000 available for possible exchanges. We explain why these numbers matter for families, the front and diplomacy after the February 5 exchange.
NSPA ordered ammunition from Rheinmetall worth about €200 million. This is not just a delivery — the framework agreement creates a mechanism for faster access to 120‑mm rounds needed for the effective operation of Leopard 2 and M1 Abrams on the front.
At the Munich Conference, the president compared the work of politicians to that of rescuers and urged faster deliveries. We examine why this matters for the front, the energy sector, and trust among partners.
At the Munich Security Conference, Senator Marco Rubio explained why combining diplomacy with stepped‑up pressure is a strategy that gives Ukraine a chance to turn negotiations from theory into tangible gains.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, at the Munich conference, sharply criticized the current U.S. strategy on peace efforts and urged more decisive support for Ukraine. The statement signals not only U.S. domestic political dynamics, but also how quickly and to what extent Kyiv can expect assistance.
The NATO Secretary General urged not to succumb to Russian propaganda and cited data on heavy losses among the occupiers. We examine what the metaphor means and why it matters for allies' decisions.
At the Munich Conference, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha explained why Kyiv remains in the negotiation process even in the absence of a compromise — and what concrete results this is producing now.
At the Munich conference, the foreign minister warned that Volodymyr Medinsky’s return to the trilateral talks is a challenge to Kremlin narratives, but for Ukraine the practical part of the negotiations on 17–18 February is what matters.
Reuters published a letter from the management of the Schwedt refinery warning that postponing U.S. sanctions would have consequences — it is a matter of supply security for Berlin and eastern Germany.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius says Berlin has already transferred a significant portion of its Patriot systems and is awaiting replacements — now the burden of defending the skies partly falls on other NATO partners. We examine what this means in practice and what steps are needed.
The president of St. Pauli suggested discussing a World Cup boycott after Trump's remarks about Greenland. Why this issue goes beyond sport and matters for Ukraine's security — briefly and without panic.
The Prosecutor's Office of the High Court of Madrid has closed the investigation for lack of jurisdiction — we explain why this technical ruling carries significant consequences for victims and for the system of transnational justice.
MBDA has announced a new contract to supply Meteor air‑to‑air missiles for German Eurofighter Typhoons. We explain the technical details, industrial implications, and the practical significance for Ukraine’s security.
The president of the Kiel Institute in Davos called on Berlin to undertake an industrial mobilization — this is a direct question of Europe’s security and the pace of assistance to Ukraine.
The cancellation of a concert scheduled for February 22, ahead of the anniversary of the full-scale invasion, came after an official appeal from the Embassy of Ukraine in Germany and concerns raised by the Ukrainian community. We examine why this is more than just a single concert.
Mandziya's victory at the Nations Cup is not just a medal. It confirms consistent form and is an important contribution to the fight for quota spots for Milan–Cortina 2026. We examine why the result in Winterberg deserves attention.
German defense companies have announced a joint venture in 2026 and plans for serial production from 2029. We examine what the emergence of maritime lasers means for fleet security and what opportunities it opens up for Ukraine.
A German MP said there are 360,000 Russian troops in Belarus — Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) responds that it has no such data. Why this matters for Ukraine and Europe now and how to read these signals without panic.
MBDA Deutschland announced it is preparing for serial production of the Taurus NEO missile following a contract with BAAINBw at the end of 2025. This is not merely a technological novelty — the decision carries implications for the European defense industry and regional security that deserve attention now.
A former MP suspected of manipulating bonds and laundering more than UAH 20 million has been detained at the request of the Office of the Prosecutor General. We examine the next steps in the case and why it matters for the government debt market.
The IBSF has cancelled the Winterberg stage due to the weather forecast: the decision affects the schedule, athletes' preparations and heightens calls for transparent oversight of participation by athletes from aggressor states.
Robbers drilled a hole through the concrete wall of a garage and removed valuables from more than 3,000 safety‑deposit boxes — an incident that should be analyzed not only as a criminal case but also in terms of customer security.
Two Patriot systems and the ninth Iris‑T are already strengthening our air defenses — it's a step that protects our home. Western analysts call it a historic moment; AIM‑9 Sidewinder missiles are expected in 2026.
The meeting in Berlin became a historic test — the United States conveyed Russia's demands, but Kyiv ensured its voice was heard. This is a moment that affects the security of our homeland and the future strategy for peace.
Quantum Systems and Frontline Robotics have created Quantum Frontline Industries — the first Ukrainian-German defense joint venture in Germany for the serial production of drones for Ukraine’s Defense Forces; production volumes will be determined by the Ministry of Defense.
After December 16, Volkswagen will suspend vehicle production at its Dresden plant — the first time this has happened in 88 years. The facility will be converted into a research campus for AI, robotics and semiconductors, with investments of €50 million.
Mark Rutte, in Berlin, said that NATO could become Moscow’s next target, urged increased defence spending and stepped-up pressure on the Kremlin, pointing to support for Russia from other states.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz will send a letter to Ursula von der Leyen asking her to review the part of the Fit for 55 regulation that bans the sale of new cars with internal combustion engines after 2035 and to allow hybrids, range‑extenders and "high‑efficiency" engines. The European Commission is set to present proposals on 10 December.