Chancellor Merz visits Ukraine and promises further military aid

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has arrived in Ukraine on a solidarity visit to promise the country further concrete help in the war against Russia. Government circles said that the Chancellor had a package of support measures that included the release of one billion euros in German military aid and 350 million euros for repairs in the energy sector.

Accordingly, the visit will mark the starting signal for the joint production of various types of drones, which are to be built in both Germany and Ukraine. Central to this is the rapid production of the anti-jet drones, which the Quantum company had successfully tested. Russia recently used fast jet drones for attacks against civilian targets.

It is also about the joint development and production of so-called standoff weapons with a range of more than 1,000 kilometers, which Ukraine can use to attack the Russian hinterland.

Merz is accompanied by Katherina Reiche and ten entrepreneurs

"If Russia is not stopped, its war machine will sooner or later turn against us," said Merz upon his arrival in Kyiv. During his visit, the CDU leader will be accompanied by Federal Minister of Economics Katherina Reiche and ten entrepreneurs from the armaments and energy sectors.

Government circles emphasized that it was not just about supporting Ukraine. The increased cooperation also benefits Germany because money and technology flow back to the Federal Republic because weapons are produced there and the defense of drones against critical infrastructure can be strengthened. In addition, the trip, which took place under increased security precautions, should be understood as a clear signal to the Ukrainian leadership and Russia that Germany stands by its previous support.

It is the fourth visit by a Federal Chancellor since the Russian war of aggression began in Ukraine in February 2022. Merz's predecessor Olaf Scholz (SPD) was in the war zone twice during his three and a half year term in office. Merz visited Kyiv last May just four days after being sworn in as Chancellor in the Bundestag.

This article will continue to be updated.