Friedrich Merz Pledges 1.35 Billion Euros in Aid to Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz conducted an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Sunday, October 4, 2026, to provide military and energy assistance. Merz announced a 1.35 billion euro aid package, which includes 1 billion euros for military support and 350 million euros for repairs to the energy sector. The visit occurred via train amid escalating Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian bridges and energy infrastructure, despite warnings from the Russian foreign ministry for diplomats to leave the city.

During the mission, Merz worked to finalize a joint weapons production agreement focusing on software, missiles, and anti-jet drones designed to counter high-speed Russian attacks. The deal includes the development of weapons with ranges exceeding 1,000 kilometers to enable strikes deep inside Russia. In exchange for this support, Merz is pressing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to make progress on anti-corruption reforms requested by the European Union.

Merz stated that if Russia is not stopped, its war machine will eventually turn against Germany. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga met the delegation to discuss the bilateral agenda, while President Zelenskyy vowed to intensify Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries in response to ongoing retaliatory strikes.