Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine is finalizing the text of a 'Drone Deal' with Germany. The announcement followed his phone call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, during which they discussed a recent drone incident at Leipzig Airport that Germany attributed to Russia, describing it as "another Russian escalation."

According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy emphasized that Chancellor Merz informed him of Germany's response measures. Zelenskyy assured Merz of Ukraine's willingness to assist Germany with expertise, experience, or in other areas where assistance might be needed. He noted that the teams from both countries are close to completing the Drone Deal, which is expected to enhance defense capabilities for both nations. The details of the agreement and its signing timeline were also topics of discussion.

Zelenskyy shared that he and Merz plan to meet in person and expressed gratitude for Germany's consistent support and leadership in safeguarding Ukrainian lives. He mentioned that Germany is set to provide new air defense packages this month. Ukraine has actively pursued "drone deals" with multiple countries, having secured agreements with nine nations and working on 15 more.

Recently, the German government officially accused Russia of attempting a drone attack on Leipzig Airport on August 4, leading to the announcement of sanctions. These include the closure of the Russian Consulate General in Bonn by September 18, the termination of a 2011 cultural agreement, and the shutdown of the Russian House in Berlin. Additionally, Germany has ordered the departure of staff from both missions and their families.

Russia has denied the allegations, with Russian Ambassador to Germany Sergey Nechayev criticizing the measures as "unsubstantiated, absurd, and illogical," warning that the "unprecedented escalation" would have consequences.