Germany’s Merz brings new aid to Kyiv, presses for anti-corruption progress
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will announce an aid package during his visit to Kyiv that will include 1 billion euros ($1.13 billion) in military assistance and 350 million euros ($394.1 million) for energy-sector recovery, Reuters reported on Oct. 4, citing German government officials.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to announce a substantial aid package during his upcoming visit to Kyiv, according to Reuters. The package will consist of 1 billion euros in military assistance and 350 million euros for energy-sector recovery. Additionally, an agreement on the joint production of drones is expected to be signed. Merz is also expected to urge the Ukrainian government to make progress on EU-imposed reforms, particularly in combating corruption.
The German chancellor's visit to Kyiv is unannounced and marks his first trip to the country since the escalation of Russia's strikes on Ukrainian cities. Accompanied by executives from German defense companies and 10 business leaders from the defense and energy sectors, Merz aims to demonstrate unwavering support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Government sources indicate that Merz intends to assure Kyiv of a swift delivery of 1,000 interceptors for jet-powered Shahed drones. The chancellor stated that he visited Kyiv "because Ukraine needs all our support in the coming weeks." Despite ongoing Russian attacks, Merz expressed optimism, noting that Ukrainians are not letting Russian terror break them.
Written by urgent.news from New Voice of Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
