German Chancellor Merz announces fresh military aid and defence contracts in Kyiv

Chancellor Friedrich Merz travelled to Kyiv, where he declared a fresh German military aid package for Ukraine and pledged financial resources for restoring energy facilities hit by Russian attacks. In a joint press briefing with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Merz framed the assistance as both a commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and a safeguard for European security. Accompanying the political announcement, representatives of German firms signed sixteen defence contracts with Ukrainian authorities.

The agreements include the supply of IRIS-T air-defence missiles from Diehl Defence, radar equipment from Hensoldt and jet-propelled interceptor drones from Quantum Systems. Zelensky highlighted the performance of a new SPYS interceptor drone developed by Quantum Systems and noted that a broader defence deal covering drones, missiles and related software is nearing completion. The visit coincided with renewed Russian attacks on Kyiv’s infrastructure, including damage to the North Bridge over the Dnipro River.