German Chancellor Friedrich Merz makes unannounced visit to Kyiv
Merz arrived in Kyiv with German defence executives and will present a package of military and energy assistance while seeking joint drone production.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv today on an unannounced visit accompanied by senior executives from German defence companies. The trip is presented as a show of support for President Volodymyr Zelensky as Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities have intensified.
“Today I arrived in Kyiv because Ukraine needs all our support in the coming weeks,” Merz said, framing the visit as a response to the recent escalation of strikes against population centres and critical infrastructure.
Merz warned of broader consequences if Moscow is not checked. “If Russia is not stopped, sooner or later its war machine will turn against us,” he said, and pledged to reassure Kyiv of Berlin’s continuing backing.
Planned aid package and industrial cooperation
German government officials announced that Merz will unveil a support package that includes the allocation of one billion euros in military aid and an additional 350 million euros for restoring the energy sector. Delegation members said an agreement on joint production of several types of drones is expected to be finalised during the visit.
Merz travelled with Economy Minister Katerina Rajhe and a business delegation including executives from Siemens Energy, Hensoldt, Diehl Defence, Quantum-Systems and other firms. The presence of industry leaders underlines Berlin’s effort to combine security assistance with defence-industrial cooperation.
Officials also expect Merz to press the Ukrainian government for progress on reforms demanded by EU partners, notably in the fight against corruption. After a phone call with Merz on 30 September, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv and Berlin would soon finalise an agreement for the production of unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles.
Photo: press material from the event
