Germany's Merz arrives in Kyiv to finalize drone deal, release aid
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on Sunday, October 4, 2026, for an unannounced visit, announcing €1 billion in military aid and €350 million for energy infrastructure repairs amid escalating Russian attacks.
- Merz's visit follows repeated warnings from Berlin that air defense shortfalls represent Ukraine's primary vulnerability, while Russia's Foreign Ministry warned Saturday of 'mass retaliatory strikes' against Kyiv and other cities.
- Accompanied by Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and defense-company CEOs, Merz aims to finalize joint production deals for drones, missiles and software designed to counter Russian aerial attacks that have intensified since summer.
- Merz described the partnership as 'not a one-way street,' emphasizing that cooperation allows money and technology to flow back to Germany, where defenses against drones targeting critical infrastructure can be strengthened.
- Ahead of the October 15-16 European Council summit, Merz reaffirmed Germany's defense commitments despite domestic political friction, arguing that protecting Kyiv's sovereignty remains foundational to Germany's own long-term prosperity and security.
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263 Articles
A surprise visit, organized in secret by a special train, "inaugurated" by a drone raid on the North Bridge of Kiev, already hit Saturday by the Russians. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in the capital of Ukraine for the second time, accompanied by the Minister of Economy Katherina Reiche and by ten entrepreneurs in the sectors of the [...] The article Ukraine, Russian raid on Kiev during the visit of Merz: hit the North Bridge. The cha…
Friedrich Merz is expected to hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on bilateral ties and European, international issues
The visit of the German Chancellor on Sunday, October 4, comes only one day after Russia called on diplomats and foreigners to leave the Ukrainian capital, warning that its forces would continue to carry out "massive reprisals".
KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kiev on Sunday in a show of support as Russia intensified its attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Merz visits Kyiv as Russia steps up missile and drone attacks
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv as Russia intensified strikes on Ukrainian cities. The visit underscored Berlin's continued backing for Ukraine amid a stalled war and pressure on civilian infrastructure.
Friedrich Merz explained that I moved to Kiev today because Ukraine needs all our support in the coming weeks.
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