Germany’s Merz arrives in Kyiv, pledges support for Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv on Sunday, accompanied by executives from German defense companies, to bolster support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky amid growing Russian assaults on Ukrainian cities. Merz announced a €1 billion military aid package and €350 million for energy sector repairs. He stressed that Russia must be stopped, warning that its war machine could eventually turn against them.

Merz will also work with the Ukrainian government to advance EU-requested reforms, particularly in combating corruption. Zelensky confirmed that a joint production deal for drones, missiles, and related software with Germany would soon be finalized, with a focus on producing anti-jet drones. This collaboration aims to ramp up anti-aircraft drone capabilities, a crucial factor given Russia's daily use of high-speed jet attack drones against Ukrainian infrastructure.

Germany reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine, rejecting any intimidation from Russia's escalating hybrid attacks on European nations. Moscow responded with a statement pledging continued targeting of Ukrainian targets, warning foreigners to stay away. Zelensky vowed his armed forces would intensify attacks on Russian oil refineries in response to Moscow's doctrine of escalating attacks on civilian infrastructure.