Friedrich Merz, German chancellor, arrives in Kyiv

Key Points:

• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv, urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop "barbaric attacks" and end the "senseless war," emphasizing readiness for peace talks but condemning attacks on civilians.
• Merz arrived with German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and business leaders, pledging over €1.3 billion in support, including €1 billion for military aid and €350 million for energy repairs, alongside agreements totaling more than €8.5 billion in defense and joint projects.
• The cooperation includes developing thousands of interceptor drones to counter Russian attacks and expanding production of long-range weapons, with Merz highlighting mutual benefits for German and Ukrainian security.
• The visit coincided with ongoing Russian strikes on Kyiv infrastructure, including a bridge hit during Merz's visit, despite warnings from the Russian Foreign Ministry and escalating attacks as winter approaches.
• Merz reaffirmed Germany's unwavering support for Ukraine, stressing that Germany's resolve affects Europe's stability and criticized domestic political opposition to aid, particularly targeting the far-right AfD and its alleged Russian backing.