Key events
Germany’s Pistorius suggests new military aid packages for Ukraine
In his opening remarks as he arrived at Nato’s headquarters in Brussels, Germany’s Boris Pistorius – expected to stay in position under the new coalition government – spoke also about new aid for Ukraine.
Germany would provide another four IRIS-T surface-to-air defence systems with missiles, and another 30 missiles for Patriot systems. He also said the leaders would “talk about” Ukraine’s request to produce missiles on licence, locally.
He was also asked about the developing plans for a reassurance force which could involve European troops in Ukraine, but he said he “would rather not discuss issues like that in the marketplaces of the world,” and stay “smart and ambitious.”
“We will find a way to go where we have to go, but up [until] then, we should rather discuss that internally than publicly,” he said.
US envoy Witkoff travelling to Russia to meet Putin – media reports
US special envoy Steve Witkoff travelled to Russia and is expected to meet president Vladimir Putin on Friday, Axios reported, citing a source familiar with the trip and FlightRadar data.
It would be the third meeting between the two, usually linked with significant developments in US-Russia relations and talks on Ukraine.
The development comes a day after a US-Russia prisoner exchange deal which included the release of dual US-Russian citizen Ksenia Karelina, but also amid reports about US president Donald Trump’s growing frustration with Russia’s refusal to abide by the terms of the ceasefire.
Let’s see what happens here.
Morning opening: Focus on Ukraine
Jakub Krupa
Given the avalanche of tariff news all week, the world briefly lost focus on the situation in Ukraine and the continuing Russian aggression.
But this should change today, as representatives of some 50 nations gather in Brussels for a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group to hear what’s the situation on the ground, what is needed, and how they can help.
Contrary to earlier reports, US defence secretary Pete Hegseth will also take part – although only via a video link. German defence minister Boris Pistorius, a new co-chair of the group, said it was a US decision, and insisted it was “not his business” to comment on what signal it sends.
Ministers are arriving now, and I will bring you all the key comments in the blog.
Separately, finance ministers meet in Warsaw for a chat on tariffs, which will be followed by a separate chat on defence funding tomorrow. I will keep an eye on developments there, too.
Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez also met with China’s Xi this morning, with some lines on how they want to work closer. Given the trade-focus of this week, this feels significant.
It’s Friday, 11 April 2025, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.