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Merz’s Kyiv visit brings €1 billion in military aid and €350 million for energy repairs

Ukraine’s president announced a new German support package during Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to Kyiv: €1 billion in military aid and €350 million for energy repairs. The leaders also outlined defence production and procurement cooperation. Merz travelled with business executives as winter approached and Russian attacks continued. The visit puts new assistance and industrial plans on the agenda alongside the capital’s immediate infrastructure damage.

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A large transformer, repair cables and a Ukrainian flag in a damaged electrical substation.

Germany pledges military aid and winter energy repairs

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on Sunday for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Both Deutsche Welle and the BBC reported the visit as Russian attacks continued in the capital. Merz travelled by train with Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and executives from German companies. His delegation included representatives of Siemens Energy, Hensoldt, Diehl Defense and Quantum Systems. The visit brought government and business representatives together around Ukraine’s military needs and damaged energy system ahead of another winter of war.[1], [2]

Zelenskyy announced a German support package of more than €1.3 billion. Its stated components are €1 billion in military assistance and €350 million for repairs to the energy sector. Merz spoke alongside the Ukrainian president at the damaged Academy of Sciences building, where a drone attack had killed at least two people the previous week. He urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war and halt attacks on civilians, while saying Germany was ready for talks about ending the conflict.[1]

Fifteen agreements cover procurement and joint production

Zelenskyy said the countries had reached fifteen agreements worth more than €8.5 billion, covering defence cooperation, production, procurement and joint projects in Ukraine. This broader cooperation figure is distinct from the newly announced aid package. German government sources cited by Reuters and the DPA news agency described plans to develop and deliver thousands of interceptor drones. These are aircraft intended to counter incoming drones, including the fast jet-powered models Russia increasingly uses against infrastructure. Cooperation plans also envisage expanding production of long-range weapons capable of reaching targets more than 1,000 kilometres away. Merz said the technologies developed by German and Ukrainian companies would serve the security of both countries.[1]

The delegation visits despite Russian warnings

Russia’s foreign ministry had warned foreign diplomats and visitors to avoid Kyiv, particularly government and military buildings. The German delegation proceeded with its visit. Air raid sirens sounded during the morning, and Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported another strike on the Northern Bridge. Recent attacks have also hit energy infrastructure. Merz said Ukraine would need support in the coming weeks as winter approached. Sunday’s trip was his second visit to Kyiv as chancellor, following the journey he made shortly after taking office in May 2025.[1]

References

  1. News sourceDWKyiv visit by Merz brings German support package of more than €1.3 billion↩1↩2↩3↩4
  2. News sourceBBCMerz arrives in Kyiv as another attack hits northern bridge↩
Chip wars and the supply chainRussia-Ukraine warMiddle East balance of powerEnergy transition and climate

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