Merz makes surprise visit to Kyiv: Germany pledges further aid to Ukraine

Germany steps up Ukraine support during Merz’s unannounced Kyiv trip

Usagevpn.com – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz travelled to Kyiv by special train on Sunday in an unpublicised visit centred on military assistance, energy recovery and deeper industrial cooperation with Ukraine. He was accompanied by Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and roughly 10 representatives from German defence and energy companies.

The visit comes as Ukraine faces renewed pressure from Russian strikes on urban areas, residential buildings and vital energy facilities ahead of the fifth winter since Russia launched its full-scale war. Germany plans to supply thousands of interceptor drones to Ukraine’s armed forces over the coming months, strengthening Kyiv’s ability to respond to fast-moving Russian jet-powered drones.

Such drones present a particular challenge because their speed makes them harder to bring down. The planned deliveries form part of a broader German effort to combine immediate battlefield support with longer-term cooperation between the two countries’ defence sectors.

Funding for weapons production and power repairs

Berlin also intends to expand joint German-Ukrainian production of long-range weapons. About €1 billion from budget funds that have already been approved is expected to support that effort. A further €350 million has been allocated for repairing and rebuilding Ukrainian power plants damaged during the war.

The energy component is especially significant as Ukraine prepares for another cold season under the threat of attacks on electricity infrastructure. Damage to power generation and distribution can affect homes, hospitals, businesses and public services, making repairs an essential part of the country’s wider resilience effort.

Merz said the timing of his journey reflected Ukraine’s urgent needs in the weeks ahead.

Ukraine needs “all our support for the coming weeks.”

In Kyiv, the chancellor was received by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Their discussions were expected to cover weapons deliveries, energy supplies and the next stages of bilateral cooperation. Members of the German delegation were also preparing economic agreements and declarations of intent involving the defence and energy industries.

Security fears shadow the visit

The trip took place amid heightened security concerns. On Saturday, Russia warned foreign nationals and diplomats against travelling to Kyiv and urged them to leave because of the risk of airstrikes. On Sunday morning, at least one Russian drone hit a road on the northern bridge across the Dnipro River, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.

Merz used his appearance in the Ukrainian capital to address Russian President Vladimir Putin directly, calling for an end to the war while linking any diplomatic progress to a halt in attacks on civilians.

“Mr Putin, stop this senseless war! We are ready for talks, we are ready to discuss how to end this war. But these barbaric attacks on Ukraine’s civilian population must stop.”

The chancellor has increasingly argued that Moscow responds only to sustained military pressure. He said Russia understands the “language of strength”, framing continuing weapons aid as a means of improving Ukraine’s position while leaving open the possibility of talks to end the conflict.

Defence industry ties move to the foreground

Beyond the immediate military package, Merz’s visit underlined Germany’s interest in building closer links with Ukraine’s defence industry. The two countries are seeking to move forward with an arrangement for the joint development and manufacture of drones, with particular attention on systems intended to counter high-speed Russian aircraft-like drones.

The approach would connect Germany’s military backing with Ukrainian production capacity and battlefield experience. The presence of business representatives signals that the discussions extend beyond government-to-government aid and include possible commercial and industrial partnerships.

This was Merz’s second visit to Ukraine since becoming chancellor. Soon after taking office in May 2025, he travelled to Kyiv with then British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. His return visit highlights Berlin’s intention to maintain its role in supporting Ukraine as the war continues.

Domestic pressure for the chancellor

The foreign-policy initiative unfolded against a difficult political backdrop for Merz at home. The latest INSA Sunday poll placed the CDU/CSU alliance at 18%, down one percentage point and its lowest result in the pollster’s figures so far. The AfD rose to 30%, a new high, widening the difference between the parties to 12 percentage points.

The SPD and Greens each stood at 14%, while the Left Party was at 10%. The FDP and BSW both registered 4%, leaving them below the 5% threshold.

The same polling picture was bleak for the federal government overall. The CDU/CSU and SPD together received 32%. Just 15% of respondents said they were satisfied with Merz’s performance, while 79% were dissatisfied. Approval of the federal government stood at 14%, with 79% rating its work negatively.

INSA surveyed 1,202 people for its Sunday trend between 28 September and 2 October. Its separate assessment of satisfaction with the chancellor and federal government drew on a survey of 1,001 people conducted on 1 and 2 October.

For Kyiv, however, the central message of the visit was practical: Germany is pairing additional funding with interceptor drones, support for power infrastructure and a push for joint defence production. The effectiveness of those commitments will depend on how quickly equipment, financing and industrial projects can be turned into support on the ground.