Germany Pledges €1.35 Billion More Aid as Merz Visits War-Torn Kyiv

2026, October 4

Germany / Ukraine / Russia

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv as Russia intensified missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. Merz pledged €1 billion in additional military assistance and €350 million for energy-sector repairs, while Germany and Ukraine moved toward a major agreement on joint drone production, including long-range systems capable of exceeding 1,000 km.

The visit comes amid a significant escalation in the air war. Russia has attacked bridges and critical infrastructure in Kyiv, while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Ukraine will respond by targeting Russian oil refineries. Moscow has subsequently threatened to intensify its own strikes.