- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv Sunday in a show of support as Russia escalated its attacks on Ukrainian cities.
- Merz said he traveled to the Ukrainian capital on his second trip as chancellor to demonstrate continued solidarity, underscored by a recently announced €1.3 billion support package for Ukraine's defence and energy needs.
- Merz warned that if Russia is not stopped, its war machine will turn against us, and he told President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: "You can continue to count on our help."
- Zelenskyy thanked Merz and reiterated that Ukraine is not fighting alone, saying "Russia must be stopped together."
- Former European Council President Charles Michel told Europe Today that Germany's €1.3 billion package for Kyiv supports Ukraine and "is for our common future."
- The visit comes as the aerial war has intensified, with Moscow pounding cities across Ukraine with difficult-to-down ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones.
- After Russia warned diplomats to leave Ukraine, the world's ambassadors stood defiant, including the EU's Ambassador to Ukraine Katarína Mathernová, who said: "We are staying."
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv on Sunday, reinforcing Germany's commitment to Ukraine as Russian attacks intensify. Merz's trip marks his second as chancellor, aimed at demonstrating solidarity amid a newly announced €1.3 billion support package for Ukraine's defense and energy needs.1235
“If Russia is not stopped, its war machine will sooner or later turn against us,” Merz stated, assuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Germany's support would continue. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude, emphasizing that “Russia must be stopped together.”4
The visit comes as aerial assaults have escalated, with Moscow targeting cities across Ukraine using advanced weaponry. In response, Kyiv has retaliated against Russia's oil industry, drawing international attention.
Despite warnings from Russia for diplomats to evacuate, the EU's Ambassador to Ukraine, Katarína Mathernová, declared, “We are staying,” reflecting the determination of the international community to support Ukraine during this crisis. Former European Council President Charles Michel also highlighted that the aid package is not just for military support but is essential for “our common future.”
“Merz's €1.3 billion package for Ukraine's defence and energy needs underscores solidarity, with Charles Michel calling it 'for our common future.' Kyiv's strikes on Russia's oil industry draw ire from US President Donald Trump amid energy shocks.”
Euronews.com
