Germany's Merz announces new aid for Ukraine in Kyiv as Russia steps up attacks

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a new aid package for Ukraine worth more than 1.3 billion euros ($1.5 billion) during a visit to Kyiv on Sunday, as Russia escalated its attacks on Ukrainian cities.The aerial war has intensified, with Moscow menacing cities across Ukraine with hard-to-intercept ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones, while Kyiv has been striking Russia’s oil industry and businesses.About 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) of the package is military aid, including long-range strike weapons, combat drones and satellite technology, “so that Ukraine can also target Russian launch pads,” Merz said at a news conference. Germany is also providing some 350 million euros ($395 million) in energy aid ahead of winter for generators, substations and repair work, he said.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the two countries also signed 15 agreements worth more than 8.5 billion euros ($9.6 billion), mostly covering security cooperation, weapons production and procurement, as well as a deal to expand their joint counter-drone efforts.“This is weaponry that will help right now,” Zelenskyy wrote on X, adding they also discussed the need for air defense, which he called “key” at this time.At the news conference, Zelenskyy said Merz’s visit amid Russian attacks was “an important signal of support for Ukraine and of the courage of Germany and all of Europe.”Germany will fund the joint production of drones designed to intercept Russia’s jet-powered drones, Merz said, adding that “significant technical breakthroughs” in recent weeks were speeding up production. “This will quickly and tangibly strengthen Ukraine’s air defense,” he said.

“And this strengthening is urgently needed.”Zelenskyy called jet-powered drones a growing challenge, saying Russia had launched 900 of them this week alone and Ukraine was able to intercept only around half. He highlighted the role of F-16 fighter jets in countering the threat and said he would speak with U.S. President Donald Trump about securing more ammunition.Germany is Ukraine’s largest donor, sending Kyiv more than 43.3 billion euros ($48.8 billion) since the war began, along with equipment and weapons.Merz was accompanied by Economy and Energy Minister Katherina Reiche and a business delegation.US proposes talks by end of OctoberZelenskyy said the U.S.