Merz Pledges €1.35 Billion Aid Package During Kyiv Visit

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on Sunday for an unannounced visit to pledge further support against Russia's invasion. He was accompanied by Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and ten executives from defense and energy firms including Siemens Energy, Hensoldt, Diehl Defence, and Quantum Systems.

Merz announced a package worth 1 billion euros for military aid and 350 million euros for repairing energy infrastructure damaged by Russian strikes. The military aid includes thousands of interceptor drones to counter Russian jet-powered attack drones and advances in joint production of long-range weapons capable of striking targets inside Russia.

“If Russia is not stopped, its war machine will turn against us sooner or later.”

"If Russia is not stopped, its war machine will turn against us sooner or later," Merz said upon arrival, warning that the coming winter will likely be the hardest yet. He told President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Ukraine can continue counting on German help.

The visit comes as Ukraine faces a 24 billion euro defense funding gap, while the EU accelerates a 45 billion euro loan. Germany remains the largest contributor of financial and military aid to Kyiv.

Moscow's Foreign Ministry warned foreign visitors and diplomats to leave Kyiv hours before Merz's arrival, citing ongoing strikes on military targets in the capital. Russian forces have increasingly targeted rail infrastructure, complicating travel for high-level visitors.

Berlin is also pushing for Ukrainian reforms required by EU partners, including anti-corruption measures. Merz's trip marks his second visit to Kyiv as chancellor, following a joint trip with French, British, and Polish leaders in May 2025.