Friedrich Merz visits Kyiv with business leaders and pledges 1.35 billion euros in aid

Unannounced arrival in Kyiv

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv by special train on Sunday morning, 4 October 2026, marking his second visit to Ukraine since taking office. Merz travelled alongside Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche and a delegation of ten business executives representing the defence and energy sectors. The journey, kept confidential until arrival due to security conditions, is Merz's first visit to the Ukrainian capital since May 2025. Upon arrival at the central station, Merz confirmed plans to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss defensive assistance ahead of winter.

Today I came to Kyiv because in the coming weeks Ukraine needs our support. If Russia is not stopped, its war machine will sooner or later turn against us.

Military and energy assistance package

The visit includes commitments to release 1 billion euros from previously approved federal budget funds to accelerate defence production and procurement. Under this package, Germany plans to deliver thousands of interceptor drones designed to neutralise fast, jet-powered Russian attack drones. Funds are also allocated to expand the production of long-range weapons capable of targeting supply lines behind the Russian frontline. An additional 350 million euros will go towards repairing and reconstructing Ukrainian power plants damaged in air strikes.

Security threats and Russian warnings

The delegation travelled despite explicit warnings issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Saturday advising foreign citizens and diplomatic staff against travelling to or remaining in Kyiv. Moscow stated that its armed forces continue to carry out systematic strikes against targets in Ukrainian cities. Russian attacks have increasingly targeted civilian infrastructure, residential areas, and the national rail network in recent months. Russian forces face estimated monthly frontline losses of up to 40,000 personnel while continuing intensive bombardments of energy facilities.

Soon the fifth war winter will begin for the people. Russia is bombing cities, residential buildings and thermal power plants. Ukrainians cannot be broken by terror.

Diplomatic choreography

The visit follows weeks of coordinated diplomatic discussions involving German, European, and American officials. In early September 2026, foreign policy advisor Günter Sautter met French, British, and American negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Kyiv following their trip to Moscow. Further coordination among the E3 security advisors occurred during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul held the first direct meeting with his Russian counterpart in four years.

Industrial cooperation and bilateral ties

German officials framed the visit as part of an expanding industrial and security partnership between Berlin and Kyiv. Beyond direct weapon deliveries, Germany has focused on drone development cooperation and securing global supplies of interceptor missiles for Patriot air defence batteries. In a keynote address on Thursday, 1 October 2026, Merz had announced that Germany would maintain its support despite hybrid attacks across European countries.

Our partnership is a two-way street. German and Ukrainian companies are jointly developing technologies that benefit both countries. This makes us more protected and stronger.