This is Merz’s first bilateral visit to Kyiv and his second trip as chancellor, after travelling there in May 2025 visit alongside leaders from France, the U.K. and Poland.
It comes just a few days after the embattled chancellor vowed to maintain his government’s strong support to Ukraine, despite the rise of the far-right, Russia-friendly Alternative für Deutschland (AfD).
“If we fail to stop Moscow, sooner or later the Russian war machine will turn against us — against NATO itself,” Merz said Thursday during a speech in Münster, Germany.
He also warned that, “in a few weeks, the fifth winter of the war will begin”, which “likely be the hardest one yet.”
Ukrainians “are bracing themselves for intense ballistic missile attacks, for destroyed power plants and schools, and for damaged apartment buildings and churches. Ukraine must survive this winter, and I am convinced that it will. It can count on our help,” Merz added, highlighting German help such as new interception systems against jet drones or repairs for bombed power plants.
Merz and Zelenskyy held a call on Wednesday, which focused on convincing European and international allies like Japan to deliver more Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine as well as procuring fresh ammunition for Kyiv’s F-16 fighter jets, which are efficient in downing Russian jet drones with their onboard cannon.