German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv on Sunday to deliver new aid to Ukraine amid a surge in Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities. During his visit, Merz announced a package exceeding $1.5 billion (approximately €1.35 billion), comprising roughly $1.1 billion for military support and $395 million to assist Ukraine’s energy sector ahead of winter. The military aid includes long-range strike weapons, combat drones, satellite technology, and support for drone interception systems intended to counter Moscow’s intensified aerial assaults.
The visit took place as air raid sirens and explosions were reported across Kyiv, underscoring the ongoing threat from Russian strikes. Merz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy toured the damaged building of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, which was struck by Russian drones last week, killing two people. Merz described these attacks on civilian infrastructure as "barbaric" and called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the conflict, expressing Germany’s readiness to engage in talks to end the war.
Ukraine has faced a growing challenge from Russia’s use of high-speed jet-powered drones, with Zelenskyy noting that Moscow deployed around 900 such drones in one week, while Ukraine intercepted roughly half. The new German aid aims to enhance Ukraine’s air defenses, including joint production of interceptor drones between German and Ukrainian companies. These efforts are expected to accelerate following recent technical advances, according to Merz. Ukraine is also pursuing longer-range weapons capable of striking targets deep inside Russia.
Alongside military aid, Germany’s energy assistance will fund repairs and upgrades to Ukraine’s generators and substations, crucial for maintaining essential services during the approaching winter. Merz was accompanied by Economy and Energy Minister Katherina Reiche and a business delegation, which includes companies involved in defense and energy sectors. Zelenskyy highlighted agreements signed between Ukraine and Germany valued at more than $9.6 billion, covering security cooperation, weapons manufacturing, and counter-drone technologies.
Zelenskyy praised Merz’s visit as a significant demonstration of European support amid ongoing Russian aggression. He also noted ongoing contacts with the United States regarding a proposed trilateral technical-level meeting involving Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S., potentially to be held by the end of October in the United Arab Emirates. Zelenskyy accused Russia of avoiding meaningful peace dialogue while intensifying its military pressure.
On the diplomatic front, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed calls from Germany and others to reduce escalation, accusing Germany of militarizing European efforts. Russia defended its actions as retaliatory strikes against Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory and warned foreign nationals against staying in Ukraine.
Merz condemned recent Russian provocations affecting Germany, including drone attacks and cyber intrusions, vowing further measures to protect German security. He remarked that halting support to Ukraine would likely worsen the security situation in Europe and reiterated Germany’s commitment to Ukraine’s defense and sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Kyiv continues to endure Russian strikes targeting infrastructure, including a drone attack damaging the Northern Bridge over the Dnipro River, injuring two people and disrupting vital services. Ukrainian officials emphasize that these attacks aim to weaken civilian morale and disrupt logistics but have galvanized Kyiv’s resolve to defend its territory.