German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine with an additional €1 billion in military aid during a visit to Kyiv on October 4, despite ongoing Russian drone attacks on the city. Merz emphasized that Germany would not be deterred from assisting Ukraine, framing the conflict as a matter of European security.
The visit took place under the threat of repeated air-raid sirens and explosions in the Ukrainian capital. Merz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited a memorial for soldiers who have died in the four-year conflict, as well as the National Academy of Sciences, which was struck by Russian drones last week, resulting in at least two fatalities.
Russia has intensified drone attacks targeting Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, focusing on critical infrastructure such as telecommunications, electricity networks, transportation links, and military installations. These strikes have increased pressure on Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.
At a joint press conference, Merz condemned Moscow's efforts to break Ukrainian morale and announced a €350 million package to help repair damaged energy infrastructure. He reiterated Germany’s position as Ukraine’s strongest supporter throughout the ongoing conflict.
The chancellor was accompanied by executives from several German companies who signed 16 agreements with Ukrainian counterparts, collectively valued at approximately €6.5 billion. Among the deals was a contract with Diehl Defence to supply IRIS-T air defense missiles, as well as agreements with Hensoldt for radar systems and Quantum Systems for jet drone interceptors.
Zelensky highlighted the importance of the partnership, noting that Ukraine was not only receiving assistance but also sharing expertise and generating employment opportunities in Germany. He specifically praised a newly developed jet drone interceptor by Quantum Systems called “SPYs,” which has shown promising performance in countering Russian drone attacks. Zelensky also indicated that overarching defense agreements between Ukraine and Germany, involving joint production of drones, missiles, and software, were nearing finalization.
The Ukrainian president attributed the recent escalation in Russian air strikes to battlefield setbacks suffered by Moscow. He condemned Russia’s targeting of civilian infrastructure, including an October 4 attack on the Northern Bridge over the Dnipro River that damaged the roadway, injured two people, and disrupted a hot-water supply system. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported the damage on Telegram. Zelensky vowed retaliation and warned that Russia’s strategy appeared aimed at forcing residents to flee major Ukrainian cities.
Earlier in the day, Merz visited the heavily damaged National Academy of Sciences and called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end what he described as a “senseless war.” Merz expressed readiness for dialogue but stressed that attacks on civilians must cease.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry responded on October 3, stating that it would continue its strikes in Ukraine, which it described as retaliatory measures for Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory. The ministry also advised foreign nationals and diplomatic personnel against traveling to Ukraine.
Zelensky acknowledged outreach from U.S. peace envoy Steve Witkoff, who urged a return to trilateral talks involving Russia. Zelensky said Ukraine was prepared to engage in peace discussions this month, contingent on Russia’s participation, while calling on Western allies to increase pressure on Moscow to end the conflict.