Germany's incoming government has pledged to continue and increase aid to Ukraine and support its NATO membership goals.

This is clear from the coalition agreement presented by the incoming Chancellor Friedrich Mertz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU).

The document states that Germany will provide comprehensive support to Ukraine "so that it can effectively defend itself against the Russian aggressor and assert itself in negotiations." "Ukraine, as a strong, democratic and sovereign state that independently determines its future with a Euro-Atlantic perspective, is central to our own security. That is why, together with our partners, we will significantly strengthen and reliably continue to provide military, civilian and political support to Ukraine," the agreement reads.

It also states that Germany will work closely with partners to develop a joint strategy for a genuine and sustainable peace in which Ukraine will act from a position of strength and on an equal footing. This includes 'guarantees for the material and political security' of a sovereign Ukraine.

"We support the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO, which was confirmed at the NATO summit in Washington. We support the establishment of a special tribunal to properly investigate and prosecute the crime of aggression against Ukraine," the next government's "roadmap" reads.

Germany is committed to participate in the reconstruction of Ukraine. Berlin is looking for ways to use frozen Russian state assets to provide financial, economic and military assistance to Kiev.

The document makes no mention of Germany's possible participation in a European peacekeeping force, should one be formed, or the possibility of transferring long-range weapons to Ukraine.

Immediately after the presentation of the agreement, the leader of the Social Democratic Party, Lars Kleinbeil, expressed the hope that in the future the government would have no disputes regarding aid to Ukraine.

The conservative bloc CDU/CSU and the German Social Democratic Party (GSDP) successfully concluded the coalition talks. In May, Friedrich Mertz is due to take over as chancellor. | BGNES