Chancellor announces additional energy support during Kyiv visit marked by drone strikes; Berlin stresses support is in Europe’s own security interest.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged €1 billion ($1.1bn) in new military assistance to Ukraine during an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Sunday, as Russian forces intensified attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
Speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Merz also announced a separate €350 million package to help repair Ukraine’s energy sector ahead of the coming winter. The combined support forms part of a broader package valued at more than €1.3 billion.
Germany Boosts Ukraine’s Air Defence Aid:
The military component prioritises strengthening Ukraine’s air defences against Russian jet-powered drones, including funding for the joint production of interceptor drones. Merz said recent technical breakthroughs would allow production to accelerate and deliver a “quick and noticeable” improvement in Ukraine’s ability to counter such threats.
Additional elements of the package include long-range strike weapons, combat drones and satellite technology intended to improve targeting of Russian launch sites. Merz declined to provide a full inventory of systems, citing operational security.
German business executives travelling with the chancellor signed a series of agreements with Ukrainian counterparts, with total values reported in the range of €6.6 billion to more than €8.5 billion depending on the accounting of security, production and procurement deals. These include cooperation on air-defence systems, radar equipment and drone interceptors.
Merz’s visit coincided with continued Russian drone attacks on the Ukrainian capital. Air-raid alerts and explosions were reported during the day, underscoring the pressure on Ukraine’s air defences as Moscow intensifies strikes on energy infrastructure and civilian areas ahead of winter.
“We will not be intimidated,” Merz said, emphasising that Germany’s support for Ukraine serves Europe’s broader security interests. He noted that Russia continues to conduct cyber-attacks and disinformation campaigns targeting European democracies. “If Russia is not stopped, its war machine will sooner or later turn against us,” he added.
Addressing Russian President Vladimir Putin directly, Merz called for an end to “this senseless war,” stating that Germany remains open to talks but that attacks on civilians must cease. Zelenskyy thanked Germany for remaining one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters and highlighted the importance of the new air-defence and energy assistance at a critical moment.
Germany Reaffirms Support for Ukraine:
Germany has been among the largest European providers of military and financial support to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The latest pledge comes as Ukrainian officials describe the current period as decisive, with intensified Russian strikes aimed at degrading energy capacity and civilian resilience before winter.
Russia has rejected Western accusations of hybrid warfare and maintains that its operations target military objectives. Independent verification of specific claims regarding the scale and impact of recent attacks continues through Ukrainian and international reporting.
Merz framed the assistance as both solidarity with Ukraine and a strategic investment in European security, noting that joint industrial projects benefit both countries. The chancellor’s second visit to Kyiv since taking office reflects Berlin’s continued commitment amid prolonged conflict and shifting debates in Europe over the scale and duration of support.