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Recovery Conference Impetus for the future of Ukraine

Germany - Federal Government

Press conference with Federal Chancellor Merz at the Ukraine

Germany stands firmly by Ukraine - both militarily and in the civilian sector. Federal Chancellor Merz emphasised this point after talks at the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference in Rome.

Transcript of press conference
Thursday, 10 July 2025

"The reconstruction of Ukraine is not just something for the future. It doesn't begin when the guns fall silent." This is what Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz said after the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference in Rome. Germany's support for Ukraine is also in its own interest: "For our shared political order of freedom in Europe, the freedom of the markets, growth and our energy security."

Federal Chancellor Merz also used the meeting to discuss the situation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other dialogue partners. He emphasised that Ukrainian air defence also plays an important role. Germany is also prepared to purchase additional Patriot systems from the USA for Ukraine.

The issues discussed by the Federal Chancellor at the press conference included:

• Reconstruction: Reconstruction work is already underway in Ukraine - power stations, power lines, hospitals and schools are all being repaired so that local livelihoods can be maintained despite the ongoing Russian attacks. This work is crucial for morale in the country and supports Ukraine, emphasised Merz.
• The damage: According to the Federal Chancellor, the damage caused by Russia amounts to at least 500 billion euros. Russia should pay for it - and until it does, Russia should not and will not have access to its frozen assets, he said.
• International support: The international partners must actively work together on this reconstruction - which will not be successful without the private sector, said the Federal Chancellor. As an example, the "European Flagship Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine" was founded at the conference.