German Chancellor makes surprise visit to Chiiu... “If we can’t stop Russia, they will target us next time.”

Accompanied by executives from defense industry companies... “If we can’t stop it, they’ll target us next time.”

Meeting with Zelensky to discuss strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities and European security agenda

(Brussels = Yonhap News) Correspondent Hyun Yun-kyung = German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made a surprise visit to Kiev on the 4th (local time) and reaffirmed Germany's support for Ukraine, AFP reported.

“I came to Kiev today because Ukraine will need our full support in the coming weeks,” Merz said in a statement distributed by the German government shortly after arriving in Kiev by train. “If we do not stop Russia, their war machine will soon be aimed at us.”

German media reported that Chancellor Merz's unannounced visit to Kiiu was accompanied by German Economy Minister Katharina Reiche and 10 executives from German defense and energy companies.

In relation to this, Chancellor Merz emphasized that the cooperation relationship between Germany and Ukraine is not one-sided and that "German and Ukrainian companies are jointly developing technologies that benefit both countries, and this makes us safer and stronger."

According to Reuters, Germany is expected to announce 1 billion euros (approximately 1.5 trillion won) in military aid and 350 million euros (approximately 530 billion won) worth of energy sector facility repair funds through Chancellor Merz's visit to Chiiu, and confirm an agreement for the joint production of various drones.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibikha, who welcomed Prime Minister Merz and his party in Kiev, announced that Prime Minister Merz plans to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on this day and discuss topics such as strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities and European security.

Chancellor Merz's trip to Chiiu comes a day after Russia warned foreigners and diplomats to evacuate while warning of "large-scale" airstrikes targeting the city.

Russia has been escalating its offensive targeting the Ukrainian capital in recent days, including attacking several bridges and energy infrastructure on the Dnipro River that runs north to south of Kiev.

Meanwhile, in a separate post on social media, Prime Minister Merz said the next few weeks were "crucial" for Ukraine, which is why she decided to visit the country to show support.

He wrote, “Germany’s security also depends on the outcome of this war,” and “We are helping Ukraine because we also have important interests at stake.”