Key facts
- Germany will release €1 billion in military aid to Ukraine.
- Germany will provide €350 million for repairs in Ukraine's energy sector.
- Germany and Ukraine are expected to finalize a deal for joint drone production.
- The deal includes joint development and production of weapons with a range of over 1,000 km.
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv on Sunday.
- Merz was accompanied by CEOs from German defense companies.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on Sunday, accompanied by executives from German defense companies, to demonstrate support for Ukraine amid escalating Russian attacks. Merz's visit is expected to finalize a deal for the joint production of various types of drones and announce a package of measures including €1 billion in military aid and €350 million for repairs in Ukraine's energy sector.
Merz stated that Ukraine needs continued support and that Russia must be stopped. He emphasized that Germany would not be intimidated by Russia's hybrid attacks on European states. The joint production deal is anticipated to focus on anti-jet drones and weapons with a range exceeding 1,000 km, allowing Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia. This increased cooperation is also intended to benefit Germany by strengthening its own defenses against drone attacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed that a deal for the production of drones, missiles, and related software with Germany would soon be finalized. Zelenskiy also stated that Ukraine would intensify its attacks on Russian oil refineries in response to Moscow's escalating attacks on civilian infrastructure.