German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on Sunday accompanied by chief executives of German defence companies, in a visit aimed at reaffirming Berlin’s support for Ukraine as Russian attacks on its cities intensify, and advancing plans for cooperation in armaments, energy and joint defence production.
Merz said: “I travelled to Kyiv today because Ukraine needs all our support in the coming weeks,” noting that Russian forces were shelling towns, residential buildings and heating plants. He added that he would tell Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: “You can continue to rely on our assistance.” The German chancellor warned of the potential consequences of the war continuing, saying: “If Russia is not stopped, its war machine will sooner or later turn against us.”
€1 billion German aid package
German government officials said Merz plans to announce a package of measures during his visit, including €1 billion in military aid for Ukraine, as well as €350 million to support repairs in the energy sector, which is facing growing pressure as a result of the attacks.
The visit is expected to put the finishing touches to an agreement between Germany and Ukraine on the joint production of various types of drones. Merz is also expected to urge the Ukrainian government to make progress on reforms requested by its partners in the European Union, including measures to combat corruption.
Accelerating interceptor drone production
A large part of the talks is expected to focus on accelerating production of drones designed to intercept jet aircraft, after Germany’s defence technology company Quantum successfully tested one. Since the summer, Russia has been using dozens of high-speed jet-powered attack drones every day to target civilian and military infrastructure in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy announced on Wednesday, following a telephone call with Merz, that his country would soon finalise an agreement with Germany to produce drones, missiles and related software.
In April, Quantum and the Ukrainian company WIY Drones announced the establishment of Quantum WIY Industries, a joint venture to produce the Strela interceptor drone, as well as develop and produce technologies related to air defence.
The agreement also includes the joint development and production of weapons with a range of more than 1,000 kilometres, enabling Ukraine to use them to carry out attacks deep inside Russian territory. These projects are part of expanding defence cooperation between Kyiv and Berlin, alongside the expected military and energy support package.
