German Chancellor Merz arrives in Kyiv: 1 billion euros in military aid and a deal on joint drone production

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived on Sunday in Kyiv, accompanied by Economy and Energy Minister Katherina Reiche and the heads of German defence and energy companies — including Siemens Energy, Hensoldt, Diehl Defence and Quantum Systems — in a show of support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, at a time when Russia is escalating its attacks on Ukrainian cities, as Reuters reports.

During the visit, Merz announced the release of 1 billion euros in military aid and 350 million euros for repairs in the energy sector, German government officials said. “I travelled to Kyiv today because Ukraine needs all our support in the coming weeks,” the chancellor said, stressing that Russian forces are bombing cities, residential buildings and heating plants.

The visit is expected to finalise the agreement on the joint production of drones — including interceptor drones against high-speed Russian drones — missiles and related software. Zelenskyy said after a phone call with Merz on Wednesday that Ukraine would finalise the agreement soon.

“If Russia does not stop, sooner or later its war machine will turn against us,” Merz said. “I will tell President Zelenskyy today: ‘You can continue to rely on our help.'”

Merz is also expected to press Ukraine on the reforms demanded by EU partners, including the fight against corruption, according to Reuters.