Germany proposes boosting Ukraine’s air defense by 20% annually and supplying 500 armored vehicles

The main focus is on strengthening Ukraine’s Armed Forces. The German government believes the army’s priority must be to guarantee a cease-fire or peace agreement.

At the center of the plan is the concept of “porcupining,” aimed at turning Ukraine into a “porcupine” — strong and dangerous for any aggressor.

Germany proposes increasing the number and capacity of air defense systems by 20% each year, expanding Kyiv’s air capabilities with domestically produced long-range precision missiles, and providing equipment for four mechanized infantry brigades — about 480 pieces of equipment annually.

Berlin also plans to continue training Ukrainian troops, expand cooperation between Ukraine’s and EU’s defense industries, and provide financial and economic support with a focus on further European integration.

At the same time, the German government does not rule out military involvement in the form of a peacekeeping mission, but only under political agreements that would allow a transition toward ending the war. For now, however, no cease-fire or peace deal is on the table, as Russian dictator Vladimir Putin shows no willingness to compromise and continues to intensify attacks on Ukraine.

Amid the Sept. 4 Paris meeting, where leaders are expected to present security guarantees for Ukraine, Kyiv’s European allies remain divided over whether to deploy their forces on its territory.

Security guarantees for Ukraine: Latest developments

On Sept. 4, a meeting of European leaders with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will take place in Paris to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine.

The meeting will begin at 11:30 a.m. Kyiv time. At 3:00 p.m., European leaders will hold a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, and at 4:00 p.m., a final press conference is scheduled.

The session will be chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Other attendees include Zelenskyy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Other European leaders will join the summit via video link.