Merz travels to Kyiv despite the tense security situation
Quick Look
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz secretly traveled to Kiev by train on Sunday morning to assure Ukraine of support.
- Economics Minister Reiche accompanied him.
- Russia had previously responded to the NATO exercise near Kaliningrad with intensified attacks and indirect threats of a nuclear strike.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Friedrich Merz traveled to Ukraine for the second time since taking office. The trip comes amid intensified Russian attacks on Kiev with ballistic missiles and combat drones, as well as indirect threats of a nuclear strike in connection with a NATO exercise near Kaliningrad.
Despite the tense security situation, Merz wants to set an example in Kiev, and Economics Minister Reiche is accompanying him. Russia had previously issued a clear warning.
Chancellor arrived in Kiev on Sunday morning shortly after 6 a.m.: “Ukraine needs all our support for the coming weeks.” Photo: Leila Al-Serori
Kyiv. At 9:28 p.m. the blue and yellow special train jerked into motion in Przemysl, Poland. The destination of the secret trip was Kyiv, with the German Chancellor on board. Nine hours later, the convoy reached its destination, the main train station in the Ukrainian capital, on Sunday morning.
“Ukraine needs all our support for the coming weeks,” said Friedrich Merz after his arrival. At his meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky, he will reiterate that Ukraine can continue to count on German help. “If Russia is not stopped, sooner or later its war machine will turn against us.”
It is the second time that Merz has traveled to Ukraine since taking office. But this time the security situation is much more tense. Only a handful of journalists are on the trip, including the Handelsblatt.
Train station in Przemysl, Poland, late Saturday evening: Heavily armed police officers from a special task force of the Polish police secure the departure of the train with the Federal Chancellor for the journey to Kiev. Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa
Russia recently intensified attacks on Kyiv with ballistic missiles and combat drones. Just a few days ago, Moscow indirectly threatened a nuclear strike. The background was an extensive military exercise by the alliance near the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Germany will promise further military aid to Ukraine.
Likely · Within weeks
Russia will not reduce its attacks on Kyiv.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What specific aid packages will Germany promise Ukraine?
- How will Russia react to Merz's visit to Kiev?
- What safety measures have been taken for the train journey?
