War in Ukraine: further military aid planned
Germany is Ukraine’s most important ally in its defence against Russia. Merz announced deliveries of interceptor drones and long-range weapons.
Kyiv (dpa) – Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has arrived in Ukraine on a solidarity visit, where he will pledge further concrete assistance in Ukraine’s defence against Russia. The aid includes interceptor drones and long-range weapons. “If Russia is not stopped, sooner or later its machinery of war will be directed at us,” Merz said in an interview after arriving in Kyiv by special train.
He is accompanied by the Minister for Economic Affairs Katharina Reiche and ten businesses from the arms and energy sectors. According to government sources, Merz plans to assure the Ukrainian military in Kyiv that thousands of interceptor drones will be delivered shortly. The drones will make it possible to defend against Russian jet-powered drones, which are extremely fast and highly dangerous.
In addition, the production of long-range weapons is to be stepped up to enable Ukraine to strike supply lines behind the front line. The package is to be funded with €1 billion from already approved funds, along with an additional €350 million to rebuild and repair damaged power stations.
