{
  "id": 11847782,
  "title": "Abwehrkampf gegen Russland: Merz in der Ukraine: Weitere Militärhilfe geplant",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/abwehrkampf-gegen-russland-merz-in-der-ukraine-weitere-militarhilfe",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-04T04:17:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/abwehrkampf-gegen-russland-merz-in-der-ukraine-weitere-militaerhilfe-geplant/100259542.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz arrived in Ukraine for a solidarity visit to pledge further concrete assistance in the defense fight against Russia, primarily anti-radar drones and extensive weaponry. Upon his arrival in Kiev, he arrived in a special train, accompanied by Economy Minister Katharina Reiche and ten businessmen from the defense and energy sectors. Merz promised Ukrainian forces the early delivery of thousands of anti-radar drones that can combat fast and deadly Russian jet-powered missiles. Moreover, the production of extensive weaponry to target supply lines behind the front in Russia was to be accelerated. In total, a billion euros from allocated budget funds would be released for this purpose, with an additional 350 million euros earmarked for repairing and rebuilding destroyed power plants. Moscow is urging foreigners to leave Kiev, as the security situation in Ukraine has deteriorated significantly in recent months, with drone attacks increasing even in the capital, including passenger trains. The Russian Foreign Ministry warned foreign visitors and diplomats to leave the city, urging them not to stay near military objects and government buildings, citing that Russian forces continue to systematically conduct targeted strikes on military targets in Kiev and other Ukrainian cities in response to Ukrainian forces' \"terrorist actions against the civilian population and Ukrainian civil infrastructure.\" Despite warnings, Merz persisted, stating, \"I will tell President Zelenskyy today: You can always count on our help.\" Merz had already assured Ukraine of Germany's continuous solidarity in the defense fight against Russia, despite resistance to further billion-dollar aid within Germany. He emphasized that if Germany wavers, so too will Europe and Ukraine. This promise aims to reinforce his visit to Kiev, underscoring Germany's position as the primary financial and military supporter of Ukraine. Four Chancellor visits since the war began, Merz's predecessors Olaf Scholz (SPD) visited twice during his three-and-a-half-year term, while Merz's first visit to Kiev was just four days after his inauguration as Chancellor, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, former UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. They demanded an unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine from Russia, but nothing came of it, and subsequent diplomatic initiatives stalled. Merz now hopes to use continuous military pressure to bring Russia to the negotiating table, noting that Moscow only understands the \"language of strength.\"",
  "summary": "Deutschland ist der wichtigste Unterstützer der Ukraine im Abwehrkampf gegen Russland. Der Kanzler will mit einem nicht ungefährlichen Besuch in Kiew deutlich machen, dass das auch so bleiben soll.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Handelsblatt",
        "title": "Ukraine-Krieg: Merz überraschend in die Ukraine gereist: Kanzler am Morgen in Kiew eingetroffen – Drohnen-Deal geplant",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/ukraine-krieg-merz-uberraschend-in-die-ukraine-gereist-kanzler-am",
        "published": "2026-10-04T04:10:22.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Germany’s Merz arrives in Kyiv, pledges support for Ukraine",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/germanys-merz-arrives-in-kyiv-pledges-support-for-ukraine",
        "published": "2026-10-04T05:06:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}