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.
627 Articles
627 Articles
derwesten.de
An absolute novelty: While Friedrich Merz visits Kiev, a Russian drone strikes on an important bridge.
While the German Chancellor visited the Ukrainian President in Kiev, the city has once again become the target of heavy drone attacks. Videos document the impact of a missile into an important bridge.
After Moscow’s nuclear warnings: Merz intensifies Germany’s war offensive in Kiev
Only days after Russia again threatened NATO with the use of nuclear weapons and President Vladimir Putin warned of a “fatal point of no return,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz traveled to Kiev on Sunday to further expand Germany’s involvement in the Ukraine wa
Fireballs over Kyiv as Russia strikes bridges during Merz’s visit
Russian strikes in Kharkiv resulted in one death and six injuries on Sunday, while a drone attacked a key bridge in Kyiv. Video footage captured the fireball from the strike on the Northern Bridge, which was hit for the second time recently. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv amid air raid sirens to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
On Sunday, Russia carried out a drone attack on Kyiv's Northern Bridge as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was visiting the city. Video showed fire and smoke, two people were injured, and the escalating attacks on bridges have sparked fears of further division in the capital, drawing support from Germany and renewed warnings from Russia.
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