KYIV, Ukraine (AP) - During a visit to Kyiv on Sunday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a significant new aid package for Ukraine, valued at over 1.3 billion euros (approximately $1.5 billion). This announcement comes amid a troubling escalation of Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities.
The aerial conflict has intensified as Moscow threatens various cities throughout Ukraine with hard-to-intercept ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones. In response, Kyiv has been targeting Russia's oil industry and businesses.
Of the total aid package, about 1 billion euros (around $1.1 billion) is designated for military support, which includes long-range strike weapons, combat drones, and satellite technology intended to empower Ukraine to strike Russian launch sites. Additionally, Germany is providing approximately 350 million euros (around $395 million) in energy aid in preparation for winter, which encompasses generators, substations, and necessary repairs.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned that both nations signed 15 agreements worth more than 8.5 billion euros (approximately $9.6 billion), primarily focusing on security cooperation, weapons production and procurement, along with a collaboration deal for enhancing counter-drone efforts. He emphasized that the newly acquired weaponry would have an immediate impact, noting that discussions also revolved around the urgent need for effective air defense.
Zelenskyy characterized Merz's visit during the ongoing Russian assaults as “an important signal of support for Ukraine and the courage of Germany and all of Europe.” Merz confirmed that Germany will finance the joint production of drones designed to combat Russian jet-powered artillery, stating that “significant technical breakthroughs” in recent weeks are hastening production efforts. He underscored the urgent necessity to bolster Ukraine’s air defenses.
Highlighting the severity of the threat, Zelenskyy conveyed that Russia had launched 900 of these jet-powered drones within just a week, with Ukraine managing to intercept roughly half. He also indicated that F-16 fighter jets play a crucial role in countering the threat and intends to discuss further ammunition support with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Germany has emerged as Ukraine's largest donor, contributing over 43.3 billion euros (about $48.8 billion) since the onset of the war, in addition to providing military equipment and arms.
In a related development, Zelenskyy mentioned that the United States is in discussions with both Kyiv and Moscow regarding a proposed trilateral meeting by the end of October, which may take place in the United Arab Emirates. He expressed Ukraine's readiness to participate, while awaiting Russia's response. Furthermore, he accused Moscow of sidestepping meaningful peace discussions and stated that Ukraine and Germany are collaborating to enhance diplomatic efforts involving Europe.
During their visit to a site in central Kyiv, Merz and Zelenskyy inspected a damaged building of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, which was struck by a Russian attack that resulted in two fatalities. Merz condemned these attacks on civilian targets as “daily war crimes” and urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease “this senseless war.”
The ties between Germany and Russia have visibly soured in light of recent events. Merz emphasized that Russia’s aggression extends beyond a thwarted drone assault at Leipzig Airport in August, citing persistent daily attacks on Germany's data centers and networks. He stated, “None of this will stop if we cease aiding Ukraine; quite the opposite, it will only escalate.”
This geopolitical tension is additionally reflected in the recent encounter between the foreign ministers of Germany and Russia at the U.N. General Assembly, marking their first face-to-face discussion since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed German calls to ease the escalation, asserting that Germany aims to be a leading military power in Europe by siding with Ukraine.
Amidst these developments, Russian attacks have notably damaged Kyiv's Northern Bridge over the Dnieper River once again. Recent surveillance footage captured a drone strike on the bridge, resulting in injuries to two individuals. According to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, Russian assaults have led to the full or partial closure of three of the six road bridges in Kyiv, contributing to increased traffic and disrupting life in the capital.
In Sumy, a Russian aerial bomb attack resulted in one fatality and 16 injuries on the same day. Russia has declared its intention to intensify strikes against military-related infrastructure in Kyiv and other regions as a reaction to Zelenskyy’s comments about Ukraine’s escalated attacks on Russian oil refineries.
The conflict, which began over four and a half years ago, shows no signs of reaching a peaceful resolution, as fighting remains stagnant along the lengthy front line traversing northern, eastern, and southern Ukraine.
