Chancellor Merz announces new military aid for Ukraine

According to government sources, the Chancellor has brought with him new military aid worth one billion euros, which is intended to help Ukraine better defend itself against devastating attacks with jet drones and missiles. Newly developed interception systems against jet drones will soon be delivered to Ukraine. Ukraine has so far been almost defenseless against these drones. In addition, Ukraine is to receive additional long-range weapons with ranges of up to 1,000 kilometers in order to be able to take action against missile launch pads in the Russian hinterland. The amount has already been earmarked in the budget and has now been released.

Ukraine will receive spare parts worth 350 million euros for energy systems damaged by Russia. "The fifth winter of war will soon begin for the people. Russia is bombing cities, residential buildings and thermal power plants," said Merz and added: "The Ukrainians will not let the terror get them down." While the invaders are making little progress in the east of the country, the Russian strategy has for some time been aimed at breaking the Ukrainians' spirit of resistance through increased attacks on civilians and the energy infrastructure. The country is preparing for the harshest winter of war yet.

It is the Chancellor's second visit to Ukraine since taking office. "I traveled to Kiev today because Ukraine needs all our support for the coming weeks. If Russia is not stopped, sooner or later its war machine will turn against us," explained Merz. Merz is accompanied by Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) and a small business delegation. Merz reached Kiev from Poland after a nine-hour train journey under tightened security precautions.

Moscow warns government officials against visiting Ukraine

Just a few hours before Merz's departure, the Russian Foreign Ministry had “urgently” warned against foreign government representatives traveling to Ukraine. It is with concern that warnings are being ignored and “some individuals are deliberately putting their lives in danger.” Russian forces would continue their retaliatory strikes on a large scale. Russia, which attacked Ukraine in 2022 and has been targeting infrastructure and civilians for years, is justifying its now expanded attacks by saying that Ukraine is retaliating with drones on Russian territory.

It should also be understood as a signal to Moscow that Merz is traveling to Ukraine with a comparatively large delegation despite Russian threats. The five-person business delegation includes the head of Siemens Energy, Christian Bruch, as well as the managing directors of the defense companies Hensoldt and Quantum Systems, Oliver Dörre and Sven Kruck. Hensoldt produces the Iris-T guided missile, which is important for Ukrainian defense, and Quantum Systems has developed the interception systems against jet drones. "Our partnership is not a one-way street. German and Ukrainian companies work together to develop technologies that benefit both countries. That makes us safer and stronger," said the Chancellor.

During a keynote speech in Münster a few days ago, Merz assured that Germany would continue to support Ukraine despite Russian hybrid attacks. "This war concerns us, very directly, because in Ukraine the security of Europe, our security, is also at stake. It is also about us," he emphasized.