Kyiv, Ukraine, 4 October, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on Sunday as air-raid sirens and explosions sounded across the Ukrainian capital, using the Merz Kyiv visit to reinforce Berlin’s support for Ukraine and announce additional military and energy assistance. Russia also struck a major bridge in Kyiv during the visit, according to Reuters.
The German chancellor met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as intensified Russian attacks placed renewed pressure on Kyiv’s infrastructure and air defences.
Russian strikes hit Kyiv during Merz visit
The security threat was evident throughout Merz’s trip. Reuters reported that sirens and explosions were heard in Kyiv as he arrived, while Russia said its forces had struck the Northern Bridge over the Dnipro River. Moscow described the bridge as a route used for military transport. Reuters said it could not independently verify Russia’s claims about the intended target.
Merz and Zelenskyy later visited the damaged National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.
According to Ukraine’s presidential office, a Russian Shahed-type drone directly hit the academy building on 28 September, killing two people and injuring seven. Another air-raid warning sounded while the leaders were meeting emergency workers at the site.
Germany announces major defence and energy support
The Merz Kyiv visit also delivered a new package of German assistance worth more than €1.3 billion, according to the Ukrainian presidency.
Reuters reported that the package includes €1 billion in military assistance and €350 million for repairs to Ukraine’s energy sector. The two governments are also deepening cooperation between German and Ukrainian defence companies, including work involving drone technology.
The assistance comes as Ukraine prepares for another winter under pressure from Russian attacks on electricity and heating infrastructure.
Merz pledges continued German backing
Merz said Germany would maintain its support for Ukraine, framing the country’s security as directly connected with Germany’s own interests.
“I have travelled to Kyiv today because Ukraine needs all our support in the coming weeks,” Merz said in a statement published by the German government. He added that Ukrainians could “continue to count on our help”.
Zelenskyy said the German chancellor’s presence in Kyiv during repeated drone attacks sent a signal of German and wider European support.
Germany deepens strategic partnership with Ukraine
Germany has become one of Ukraine’s most important European supporters since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Berlin has supplied military, humanitarian and financial assistance while increasingly supporting cooperation between the two countries’ defence industries. Germany has also emphasised air defence and strengthening Ukraine’s energy resilience as important priorities.
The latest Merz Kyiv visit builds on that strategy while highlighting the continuing security risks facing European officials travelling to Ukraine.
Why the visit matters for Europe
For European governments, Ukraine’s ability to defend its cities and maintain essential energy infrastructure remains closely linked to wider regional security.
The German government has argued that supporting a sovereign and democratic Ukraine is important for Germany’s own security. Merz also said cooperation between German and Ukrainian companies could produce technologies benefiting both countries.
The new assistance therefore combines immediate support for Ukraine with longer-term industrial cooperation.
What happens next?
Germany and Ukraine are expected to move ahead with the newly announced military and energy measures, including further cooperation between their defence industries.
The immediate focus will remain on strengthening Ukraine’s air defences, repairing energy infrastructure and maintaining essential services as winter approaches.
Further implementation of the bilateral agreements will take place against the backdrop of continuing Russian attacks and European efforts to sustain military, financial and political support for Kyiv.
