Germany’s Merz visits Kyiv amid fears of ‘hardest’ winter in war
The visit is overshadowed by heavy Russian attacks on Kyiv as well as tensions over Ukraine's EU membership prospects
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on Sunday for an unannounced one-day visit to provide new military, financial, and economic support to Ukraine amid escalating tensions over its EU aspirations. The visit aims to bolster Ukraine's defenses against escalating Russian attacks, particularly in air defense and long-range offensive weapons.
Merz plans to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss peace initiatives and persuade European and international allies to contribute more Patriot air defense missiles and ammunition for Ukraine's F-16 fighter jets. Ukrainian infrastructure, including power plants and heating plants, has suffered from intense Russian drone and missile attacks, raising fears that the upcoming winter could be the "hardest" yet.
Merz, who is the biggest contributor to Ukraine's financial and military support, emphasized Germany's commitment to helping Ukraine survive the winter. The German Chancellor and Zelenskyy held a call on Wednesday, focusing on securing additional Patriot air defense missiles and procuring fresh ammunition for Ukraine's F-16 fighter jets.
Despite the visit's purpose, tensions remain over Ukraine's desire for swift EU membership, with Merz expressing skepticism and proposing an "associated membership" instead.
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