Kyiv, Ukraine, 4 October, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on Sunday for an unannounced visit aimed at strengthening Germany’s support for Ukraine as Russian attacks intensify. The Friedrich Merz Kyiv visit puts military assistance, interceptor drones, energy security and closer German-Ukrainian defence cooperation at the centre of talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Merz arrives in Kyiv with German business leaders
Merz travelled to the Ukrainian capital accompanied by Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and senior executives from German defence and energy companies. The delegation includes representatives from businesses such as Siemens Energy, Hensoldt and drone manufacturer Quantum Systems, according to Reuters.
The visit was not announced in advance, reflecting the security precautions surrounding visits by senior Western leaders to Ukraine.
Merz’s arrival follows months of discussions between Berlin and Kyiv over expanding defence-industrial cooperation. Zelenskyy and Merz discussed preparations for a bilateral “Drone Deal” in July, including cooperation on a European anti-ballistic system involving German defence companies.
Germany prepares major military and energy support
Germany is preparing a further €1 billion military support package for Ukraine, alongside €350 million for repairing damaged energy infrastructure, Reuters reported, citing German officials.
A major element of the talks concerns producing interceptor drones capable of destroying faster Russian attack drones.
German manufacturer Quantum Systems and Ukrainian company WIY Drones have already established cooperation to develop and manufacture interceptor technology. The discussions in Kyiv are expected to advance that partnership as Ukraine seeks more cost-effective ways to protect its cities and infrastructure from large-scale drone attacks.
Merz warns Russia poses wider European threat
Merz used his arrival to frame Germany’s assistance to Ukraine as an issue extending beyond Ukraine’s borders.
“If Russia is not stopped, its war machine will sooner or later be turned against us,” Merz said, according to Reuters.
The German government has consistently linked Ukraine’s security to Europe’s wider security architecture. In August, Merz joined other European leaders in condemning escalating Russian strikes against Ukrainian cities, civilians and critical infrastructure while reaffirming continued support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Why the Kyiv visit matters for Europe
The Friedrich Merz Kyiv visit comes as Ukraine prepares for another winter while seeking stronger protection for its electricity and heating networks.
For Germany and the wider European Union, the discussions also demonstrate a shift towards longer-term defence-industrial cooperation rather than relying exclusively on transferring existing weapons inventories.
Ukraine’s battlefield experience with drones and electronic warfare has also become increasingly relevant to European governments seeking to strengthen their own defences.
What happens next?
Merz is expected to hold detailed talks with Zelenskyy covering military aid, energy assistance, drone production and longer-range weapons.
The two governments are also working towards finalising their bilateral drone agreement. Zelenskyy said in September that teams were completing the text and discussing a possible signing date.
Further announcements following Sunday’s meetings could clarify the timetable for the additional German assistance and the next phase of joint defence production, making the Friedrich Merz Kyiv visit an important step in Berlin’s continuing security partnership with Ukraine.
