Photo: Getty Images
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on Sunday, October 4, for an unannounced visit and a planned meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to German and Ukrainian officials. It was Merz’s first visit to Ukraine since May 2025.
Speaking after arriving at Kyiv’s railway station, Merz said Ukraine would need continued international support in the coming weeks, particularly as it prepares for another winter under Russian attacks.
“I came to Kyiv today because Ukraine needs all our support in the coming weeks. If Russia is not stopped, its war machine will sooner or later turn against us,” Merz said.
He said Ukraine was approaching its fifth winter of the full-scale war and noted that Russia continued to attack Ukrainian cities, residential buildings and thermal power plants.
Merz said he would reassure Zelenskyy that Germany’s support for Ukraine would continue. He also emphasized cooperation between German and Ukrainian companies on defense technologies, saying such cooperation strengthens the security of both countries.
The German chancellor was accompanied by Economy Minister Katharina Reiche and a delegation of German business and defense-industry representatives.
The visit comes amid intensified Russian attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities and growing concerns over Ukraine’s air-defense capabilities ahead of the winter heating season. Merz has repeatedly argued that supporting Ukraine is directly linked to European security.
Merz is also expected to discuss further military and energy assistance with Zelenskyy, including cooperation on drone production and other defense technologies.
In recent weeks, Merz has warned that Europe faces a critical period in protecting its security and has called for continued support for Ukraine.
