Germany to send new air defense packages to Ukraine in September, Zelenskyy says

He also said the teams of both countries are already finalizing the text of a Drone Deal. During the call, Merz and Zelenskyy discussed the content of the document and a possible date for signing it.

“This will, among other things, definitely provide both Germany and Ukraine with additional defense capabilities,” the Ukrainian president said.

The two leaders also discussed the Russian attack on the airport in Leipzig.

“This is yet another Russian escalation, and it is important that Germany responded,” Zelenskyy said, adding that Kyiv is ready to assist Berlin with expertise, experience, and whatever else may be needed.

Zelenskyy also said he had agreed with Merz to hold a personal meeting.

Drone incident at Leipzig airport

Overnight into Aug. 5, a drone with a detonator and explosive material attached was found at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany, which has served as a base for Antonov aircraft since 2022.

The drone was located on the runway next to a Ukrainian An-124 Ruslan cargo aircraft.

On Aug. 6, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said a foreign state might have been involved in the incident. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry said no one was injured at Leipzig airport and no Antonov aircraft were damaged.

On Sept. 1, the German federal government officially accused Russia of attempting a terrorist attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport.

On Sept. 2, Deutsche Welle reported that after the Leipzig incident, Germany closed Russia’s consulate general in Bonn. It was the last such Russian mission in Germany, and Russian citizens will now be able to receive consular services only at the Russian Embassy in Berlin.