That is according to DW, Ukrinform reports.
Merz said the main purpose of his visit was to express and demonstrate Germany's continued support for Ukraine.
"Today I came to Kyiv because Ukraine will need our full support in the coming weeks. If Russia is not stopped, sooner or later its war machine will be turned against us. The fifth winter of the war will soon begin for the people [in Ukraine]. Russia is shelling cities, residential buildings and thermal power plants. Ukrainians are refusing to let terror break them. Today I will tell President Zelensky: 'You can continue to count on our support,'" the German chancellor said after arriving in Kyiv.
He also explained that Germany, too, benefits from cooperation with Ukraine, particularly in the defense sector. "Our partnership is not a one-way street. German and Ukrainian companies are jointly developing technologies that benefit both countries. This strengthens our security and makes us stronger," Merz added.
The German chancellor is accompanied on his visit to Kyiv by Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and a delegation of business representatives from the defense and energy sectors.
According to government sources, in Kyiv Merz is expected to assure the Ukrainian Armed Forces of the rapid delivery of thousands of interceptor drones that can be used to counter Russia's particularly fast and therefore particularly dangerous jet-powered kamikaze drones.
Read also: Merz says Europe faces new opportunities amid unprecedented pressureIn addition, the production of long-range weapons capable of striking supply lines in the rear, including on Russian territory, is expected to be accelerated. A total of EUR 1 billion in already approved budget funds is to be made available for this purpose, along with another EUR 350 million for the repair and restoration of destroyed power plants.
Merz has so far visited Ukraine as chancellor once, in May 2025. Before taking office as federal chancellor, he also visited Kyiv twice – in May 2022 and December 2024 – when he was still opposition leader and a candidate for chancellor.
This is the fourth visit by a German chancellor to Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. Merz's predecessor, Olaf Scholz, also visited Ukraine twice, in June 2022 and December 2024.
Several days ago, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that the coming months would be decisive for Ukraine and the security of the entire European continent, and that Germany must remain resolute in its support for Ukraine.
