Merz arrives in Kyiv with $1.2 billion aid package and plans for joint weapons production
Photo: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha welcomes German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Kyiv on October 4, 2026 (x.com/andrii_sybiha)
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has arrived in Kyiv with a new support package and plans to expand joint weapons production, Reuters reports.
According to German government officials, Merz is expected to announce a new support package for Ukraine during his visit.
The package includes 1 billion euros in military aid and another 350 million euros for rebuilding Ukraine’s energy sector. In addition, an agreement on joint production of various types of drones is expected to be signed.
“I travelled to Kyiv today because Ukraine needs all our support in the coming weeks,” Merz said.
The chancellor stressed that Russia continues to strike cities, residential buildings and thermal power plants. He said that if Russia is not stopped, its military machine could sooner or later be turned against other countries.
“I will tell President Zelenskiy today: 'You can continue to count on our help,’” Merz added.
Herzlich willkommen in Kyjiw, Herr @bundeskanzler!
— Andrii Sybiha (@andrii_sybiha) October 4, 2026
This morning, I was glad to welcome Chancellor Friedrich Merz to Kyiv. Today, he will hold talks with President @ZelenskyyUa on all matters of our bilateral, European, and international agenda. Thank you for coming to Ukraine at… pic.twitter.com/brwmmtQYsw
Germany’s delegation includes Economy Minister Katherina Reiche as well as representatives of major companies, including Siemens Energy, Hensoldt, Diehl Defence and Quantum Systems.
Special attention during the talks is expected to be given to defense production. Zelenskyy previously said that Ukraine and Germany were preparing an agreement on the joint production of drones, missiles and related software.
One of the key areas could be the development of interceptor drones to combat Russian jet-powered attack drones. Quantum has already tested relevant technologies.
In April, Quantum and Ukrainian company WIY Drones announced the creation of a joint venture, Quantum WIY Industries. It is expected to produce the Strila interceptor drone and air defense technologies.
Another area of cooperation is the joint development and production of weapons with a range of more than 1,000 kilometers. Ukraine could use such weapons to strike targets at a significant distance from the front line.
German officials expect the deepening defense partnership to benefit Germany itself as well. This includes the return of some of the funds and technologies to the German economy, as well as the development of systems to protect critical infrastructure from drones.
At the same time, Merz is expected to raise the issue of reforms in Ukraine during his visit. In particular, Germany expects the Ukrainian government to make further progress in meeting requirements related to European integration and the fight against corruption.
On Sunday, October 4, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit. He was met at the railway station by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
In Kyiv, Merz is expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and reaffirm Germany’s continued support for Ukraine. This is Merz’s first visit to Ukraine since 2025.
