Merz makes surprise visit to Kyiv: Germany pledges further aid to Ukraine

Key Points:

• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made a surprise visit to Kyiv, accompanied by Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and representatives from German defence and energy companies, focusing on enhanced military and economic support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia.
• Germany plans to deliver thousands of interceptor drones to Ukraine to counter fast Russian drones and will allocate around €1 billion for joint production of long-range weapons, plus €350 million for repairing damaged Ukrainian power plants.
• Merz emphasized the urgent need for support as Ukraine faces its fifth winter of conflict, condemning Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure and calling on President Putin to end the war, while stressing that Russia responds only to "the language of strength."
• The visit also aims to deepen defence industry cooperation between Germany and Ukraine, including advancing agreements on drone development, with the German government linking military aid to closer industrial partnerships.
• Meanwhile, Merz’s CDU/CSU alliance faces declining popularity, hitting a record low in polls amid rising support for the AfD, and public approval of the federal government and its Ukraine policy is waning, reflecting growing scepticism about Germany’s ongoing support for Ukraine.