Merz visits Kyiv as Germany pledges €1.3bn in support for Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv on Sunday as Russian strikes continued and pledged further military and energy assistance to Ukraine. Speaking alongside President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Merz called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop attacks on civilians and end what he described as a senseless war. He said Germany was ready for talks but that the attacks had to stop.

Air-raid sirens sounded in Kyiv during the visit. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said a Russian drone struck the road surface of the Northern Bridge and that emergency services were responding. Zelenskyy announced a German support package worth more than €1.3 billion.

It includes €1 billion in military aid and €350 million for energy-sector repairs before winter. The leaders also announced 15 agreements worth more than €8.5 billion covering defence cooperation, production, procurement and joint projects in Ukraine. German government sources said the cooperation could include thousands of interceptor drones and expanded production of long-range weapons.

Merz arrived by train with Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and German business executives from Siemens Energy, Hensoldt, Diehl Defense and Quantum Systems. He said joint technology development would strengthen both countries’ security. The visit came after Russia warned foreign diplomats and other visitors to avoid Kyiv, particularly military and government buildings.

Russian officials said attacks were responses to alleged Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilian infrastructure. Merz said Ukraine would need support as a fifth winter of war approached. Germany remains a major military and financial backer, although domestic political parties critical of support for Ukraine have made gains in recent state elections.