Germany Expands Ukraine Support as Strikes Escalate

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv by train on Sunday morning, accompanied by Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and a delegation of prominent German business figures. The visit comes as Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russia’s invasion. German media reports say Merz is expected to announce additional support, including a further €1 billion in military aid and €350 million (about $395 million) for repairs to Ukraine’s energy sector. He is also expected to present plans for the joint production of interceptor drones and long-range missiles in both Ukraine and Germany. Speaking on arrival, Merz warned that Russia’s war could eventually threaten other countries if it is not stopped: “If Russia is not stopped, it will turn its war machine against us sooner or later.” The report presents the visit and anticipated measures as a further pledge of German support, while noting that the details were expected to be announced. It does not provide further information about the timing, terms, or implementation of the proposed aid and co-production plans.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on October 4, 2026, accompanied by German economic affairs minister Katherina Reiche and executives from defence and technology companies. The visit is intended to demonstrate support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure intensify. German officials said Merz would announce €1 billion in military aid and €350 million for repairs to Ukraine’s energy sector, and the visit is expected to finalize an agreement for joint production of drones and other weapons. The planned cooperation includes developing anti-jet drones, missiles and related software. Quantum Systems, a German defence-technology company, has tested anti-jet drones, and it established a joint venture with Ukrainian manufacturer WIY Drones in April to produce the Strila interceptor drone and other air-defence technologies. The broader deal also covers weapons with a range exceeding 1,000 kilometres, which Ukraine could use to strike targets deep inside Russia. German officials say the partnership would also bring money and technology to Germany and help strengthen defences against drones threatening its critical infrastructure. Merz said Ukraine could continue to count on German support and warned that, if Russia is not stopped, its war machine could eventually threaten Germany and other countries. Alongside military and economic cooperation, he is expected to urge Kyiv to advance reforms sought by EU partners, particularly anti-corruption efforts. The article places the visit amid escalating attacks and reciprocal threats. Russia’s Foreign Ministry said Moscow would continue strikes it characterized as retaliation for Ukrainian attacks, and warned foreign nationals and diplomats against travelling to or remaining in Ukraine. Zelenskiy said Ukraine would intensify attacks on Russian oil refineries in response to Russia’s increased strikes on civilian infrastructure, which he said were intended to force residents of Kyiv and other cities to flee.

Russia said it would continue targeted retaliatory strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, while warning foreign nationals and diplomatic staff to leave Ukraine. Its foreign ministry described the strikes as a response to what it called Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilians and infrastructure, and said Russia was targeting military facilities. It warned that those who ignored its advice would bear responsibility for any adverse consequences. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine would respond to Moscow’s expanded air campaign by intensifying attacks on Russian oil refineries, while avoiding civilian targets. Zelensky also said Ukrainian intelligence had obtained documents indicating that Vladimir Putin issued a “new doctrine” authorizing attacks on a wider range of civilian targets ahead of winter. Russia has recently struck infrastructure in Kyiv, including a bridge over the Dnipro River. The campaign has disrupted life for the capital’s roughly three million residents as winter approaches. Putin said Ukraine was paying the price for its own attacks on Russia. The article also reports on possible ceasefire proposals. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Kyiv had received proposals from India, Türkiye, Egypt and the United States. He described India’s proposal as the broadest and said Ukraine was prepared to consider a truce covering energy infrastructure and the Black Sea, provided those elements were combined. His comments followed Putin’s statement that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had “very good ideas” for finding a mutually acceptable settlement to the conflict.