BERLIN, April 14, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday in Berlin, a German government spokesman said.

"German-Ukrainian government consultations are taking place today at the Chancellery," the spokesman said. "Chancellor Merz will welcome, among others, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, to Berlin."

Germany has become Ukraine's biggest backer in its four-year war against Russia's invasion as the United States under President Donald Trump has cut back on support, and Kyiv is keen to keep Berlin on side.

The meeting comes as US-initiated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have stalled, with Kyiv baulking at the idea it could cede territory to Russia.

Germany is also keen to tap Ukraine's expertise in modern warfare in the face of a perceived threat from Moscow, with Zelensky in February visiting a plant outside Munich that makes drones based on Ukrainian designs.

Ukraine's Social Minister Denys Uliutin is also scheduled to meet German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt at a "Unity Hub" in Berlin, a culture and citizens' advice centre set up for Ukrainian refugees in Germany.

Defence ministers allied to Kyiv and NATO chief Mark Rutte are also meeting Wednesday in Berlin as part of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.