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.
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Russian drone slams into bridge in Kyiv as Germany’s chancellor visits
By Svitlana Vlasova and Sophie Tanno, CNN (CNN) — A Russian drone slammed into a bridge in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on Sunday as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited the city in a display of support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Video footage showed the moment the city’s North Bridge was struck, sparking a
A surprise visit, organized in secret by a special train, "inaugurated" by a drone raid on the North Bridge of Kiev, already hit Saturday by the Russians. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in the capital of Ukraine for the second time, accompanied by the Minister of Economy Katherina Reiche and by ten entrepreneurs in the sectors of the [...] The article Ukraine, Russian raid on Kiev during the visit of Merz: hit the North Bridge. The cha…
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has arrived in Kyiv for an unannounced visit. Amid intensified Russian attacks on the Ukrainian capital, Merz emphasized the need for continued support to the country. According to the Chancellor, not only the future of Ukraine is at stake, but also that of the West.
Friedrich Merz is expected to hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on bilateral ties and European, international issues
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