Since 24 February 2022, the Russian Federation has been waging a war of aggression against Ukraine in violation of international law.

In close coordination with its European and international partners, Germany is providing comprehensive assistance to Ukraine in its legitimate self-defence against Russia’s illegal war of aggression in the form of political and humanitarian support, as well as through direct payments and weapons. In military and financial terms, Germany is Ukraine’s second largest donor after the United States and, together with Poland, the largest host country of Ukrainian refugees. Germany is working with its partners to toughen the comprehensive sanctions against Russia. On 16 February 2024, Germany and Ukraine signed a bilateral agreement on security cooperation and long-term support to boost Germany’s long-term assistance for Ukraine.

Germany and Ukraine are cooperating closely in a spirit of friendship in many areas and are seeking to further expand their political, economic and cultural cooperation.

Germany is supporting Ukraine on its path towards the European Union. Ukraine was granted EU candidate country status on 23 June 2022. The European Council decided on 14 December 2023 to launch accession negotiations with Ukraine, which were officially opened on 25 June 2024. The European Commission is currently conducting a screening process to assess the state of alignment of Ukrainian national law with the EU acquis.