German Chancellor Pledges Support to Ukraine Amid Kyiv Air Raids
Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a significant aid package, including military assistance and funds for energy sector repairs, during a visit marked by Russian airstrikes.
Air raid sirens and explosions echoed through Kyiv on Sunday as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, pledging substantial support and urging an end to Russia's escalating attacks. The visit coincided with a wave of Russian strikes targeting the capital.
German officials stated that Merz would announce a package of measures totaling €1 billion ($1.13 billion) in military aid and an additional €350 million ($394 million) for repairs to Ukraine's energy sector. A deal for the joint production of various types of drones is also expected to be finalized during the visit.
The leaders visited the damaged building of Ukraine’s Academy of Sciences, a site recently hit by a Russian drone strike that killed at least two people. The attack was part of a sustained Russian campaign of drone strikes on Kyiv, ongoing since 2022.
"I can only repeat it once again from this point: Mr. Putin, put an end to this senseless war," Merz stated. "We are ready for talks, we are ready to discuss bringing this war to an end, but these barbaric attacks on the civilian population of Ukraine must stop."
Kyiv experienced four air raid alerts on Sunday morning, with explosions and sounds of air defense systems across the city. One Russian strike impacted the Northern Bridge over the Dnipro River, damaging its roadway, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The strike injured two people and affected a hot water supply system.
Merz's delegation includes Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and executives from companies such as Siemens Energy, Hensoldt, Diehl Defence, and Quantum Systems. The German Chancellor is also expected to discuss progress on reforms required by the European Union, particularly concerning anti-corruption efforts.
Zelensky had previously indicated that Ukraine was close to finalizing a drone production deal with Germany. A significant aspect of the anticipated agreement involves the rapid production of anti-jet drones, including those tested by the German defense technology company Quantum. This comes as Russia has been utilizing high-speed jet attack drones daily against Ukrainian infrastructure.
The collaboration is also set to include the joint development and production of weapons with a range exceeding 600 miles, which Ukraine could employ for strikes deep within Russian territory. This follows recent statements from Russia's Foreign Ministry indicating continued strikes on Ukraine as retaliation for Ukrainian attacks. Ukrainian President Zelensky has stated his country's forces will increase attacks on Russian oil refineries in response to Moscow's escalated actions.