Merz makes surprise visit to Kyiv: Germany pledges further aid to Ukraine
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made a surprise visit to Kyiv on Sunday. Accompanied by Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and representatives of German defence and energy companies, he aims to pledge further military and financial support for Ukraine.
Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv without prior announcement, accompanied by Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and ten German company representatives from defense and energy sectors. The delegation aims to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities against Russia, with plans to deliver thousands of interceptor drones and expand joint long-range weapons production.
The German government pledges an additional €350 million for repairing Ukrainian power plants damaged during the conflict. Merz emphasized Ukraine's need for support, citing ongoing Russian attacks and the approaching fifth winter of war. In Kyiv, he met with President Zelenskyy, discussing military aid, energy cooperation, and broader collaboration.
Security concerns were high, with Russian warnings urging foreign nationals to leave Kyiv and reports of a drone attack on a northern Dnipro River bridge. Merz appealed to Putin to end the "senseless war" and urged Germany to respond with military strength. The visit underscores deeper defence cooperation, including potential agreements on joint drone development.
Meanwhile, polling suggests that support for the CDU/CSU alliance has dropped to 18%, while the AfD gains ground to 30%, reflecting rising scepticism towards Germany's Ukraine policy both nationally and regionally.
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