Brief
German Chancellor Merz visits Kyiv to pledge support amid Russian attacks
Merz and Economy Minister Katherina Reiche met Ukrainian officials, reaffirming bilateral cooperation while Russia warned of new airstrikes.
By Felo News Desk · Published
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on Sunday on an unannounced visit, saying Ukraine needs "all our support in the coming weeks," France24 reported.
What happened
Merz travelled to the Ukrainian capital with Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and was met off the train by Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga. The pair were scheduled to hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky on bilateral, European and international issues.
What was said
Merz told reporters, "If Russia is not stopped, its war machine will sooner or later turn against us," and added, "You can continue to count on our help." He also posted on X that Germany and Ukraine have built a "strong strategic partnership" and intend to deepen it.
Context
Russia has stepped up missile and drone attacks on Kyiv, targeting energy infrastructure as winter approaches. The Russian foreign ministry warned foreigners and diplomats to leave the city, saying any negative consequences would be their responsibility.
Key facts
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on Sunday for an unannounced visit. (france24.com)
- Merz pledged continued German support and highlighted the strategic partnership with Ukraine. (france24.com)
- Russia warned foreigners of "massive" airstrikes and increased missile and drone attacks on Kyiv. (france24.com)
Sources
- [1] france24.com — originally reported as “Germany's Merz visits Kyiv to pledge more support to Zelensky”
