German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on Sunday in a show of solidarity with Ukraine, as Russia steps up missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.
Merz’s visit comes amid an increasingly tense security situation in the Ukrainian capital, where air-raid sirens and explosions were reported during his arrival. The German leader said Ukraine is entering a decisive period and stressed that Germany would continue to stand behind Kyiv.
During the visit, Merz announced a new German support package worth more than €1.3 billion, including about €1 billion in military assistance and €350 million to help repair Ukraine’s energy infrastructure ahead of winter. The military support is expected to include long-range weapons, combat drones and satellite technology.
Germany and Ukraine also signed 15 agreements valued at more than €8.5 billion, covering security cooperation, weapons production and procurement. The countries are also moving forward with cooperation on drones designed to intercept Russia’s increasingly difficult-to-stop jet-powered attack drones.
Merz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the damaged National Academy of Sciences building in Kyiv, which was struck in a recent Russian attack that killed two people. Merz used the visit to call on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war and stop attacks on civilians.
The German chancellor’s arrival also coincided with another Russian drone attack on Kyiv’s Northern Bridge over the Dnipro River. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said two people were injured, while the strike damaged the bridge’s roadway and a nearby hot-water supply system.
Russia has said it will continue what it describes as retaliatory strikes against Ukrainian targets, while Kyiv has intensified attacks on Russian oil infrastructure and other strategic facilities.
The latest escalation comes as diplomatic efforts to end the war remain stalled. Merz said Germany is ready to support peace talks but insisted that Russian attacks against civilians must stop.
The visit underscores Germany’s increasingly prominent role in supporting Ukraine, particularly as Kyiv prepares for another difficult winter amid continued attacks on its energy and civilian infrastructure.
Swifteradio.com
