Ambassador to Germany: Berlin more open to Ukraine's NATO membership

He said this in an interview with European Pravda.

Makeyev spoke about major shifts in Germany’s NATO policy since Merz became Chancellor.

According to him, while previously only former Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock supported Ukraine’s NATO prospects, now the entire ruling coalition shares that position.

“For the first time at the NATO-Ukraine Council, the Germans voiced support for Ukraine’s NATO membership. Their statements now go a bit further than the Alliance’s usual wording,” he said.

He added that Ukraine is already working with the German Defense Ministry and defense industry to exchange experience with the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

“Our goal is even deeper integration with them. And now the atmosphere allows for much more serious conversations than before,” the ambassador said.

On Merz’s personal stance regarding Ukraine’s NATO membership, Makeyev said: “There’s no reason to doubt it.”

He also noted strong support for Ukraine from key German government figures: Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.

Asked if Germany is ready to stop blocking Ukraine’s NATO path, Makeyev replied carefully.

“Other brakes have appeared in the world. But as Ukraine’s ambassador to Germany, I’ll say this: I’ll keep working on it,” he added.