German Chancellor Friedrich Merz tells Zelensky in Kyiv: "You can continue to count on our help"

During a Sunday trip to Kyiv, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met President Volodymyr Zelensky as Russian shelling intensified in the capital. Merz announced a German contribution that includes roughly €1 billion for military supplies and €350 million for energy‑sector repairs, and said a cooperation agreement on drone manufacturing and long‑range weapon projects would be finalized. He also urged Ukrainian authorities to advance reforms sought by the European Union. The visit occurred while Russian missiles struck a major bridge over the Dnipro River and damaged nearby hot‑water infrastructure, prompting multiple air‑raid warnings in the city. Merz’s statements emphasized continued German assistance to Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.