Germany's Merz arrives in Kyiv with defence CEOs, pledges support
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on October 4 for an unannounced visit, accompanied by CEOs from German defence companies. He pledged continued support for Ukraine ahead of the fifth winter of the war, citing Russian strikes on cities and energy infrastructure. The visit, his first since May 2025, comes amid escalating Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilian targets.
Key Facts
- Merz arrived at Kyiv's railway station on the morning of October 4, his first visit to Ukraine since May 2025.
- The chancellor was accompanied by CEOs from German defence companies.
- Merz said Ukraine needs support in the coming weeks as Russia bombs cities, residential buildings, and heating plants.
- He is expected to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the visit.
- Merz warned that if Russia is not stopped, its war machine will sooner or later turn against Germany.
The Visit
Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on the morning of October 4 for an unannounced visit. He was accompanied by CEOs from German defence companies, according to Devdiscourse. The visit is his first to Ukraine since May 2025. Immediately after arriving at Kyiv's railway station, Merz emphasized the importance of the coming weeks for Ukraine.
Support Pledge
Merz said he travelled to Kyiv because Ukraine needs all support in the coming weeks. He noted that Russian forces are bombing towns, residential buildings, and heating plants. The chancellor stated that if Russia is not stopped, its war machine will sooner or later turn against Germany. He plans to assure President Zelenskyy of Germany's continued support during their meeting.
Winter and Infrastructure
Merz drew attention to the approaching fifth winter of the full-scale war. He highlighted Russia's strikes on Ukraine's energy and civilian infrastructure. The chancellor also noted cooperation between German and Ukrainian companies in developing security technologies. Merz warned of new hybrid attacks by Russia and promised support for Ukraine.
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