Merz Arrives in Kyiv, Plans Aid and Drone Deal

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv by train on Sunday morning, October 4, 2026. On the station platform he said Ukraine needs all support in the coming weeks as a fifth winter of war begins and Russia bombards cities, apartments and power stations. He pledged to tell President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that Ukraine can count on Germany's help and warned that if Russia is not stopped its military machine will turn against Europe. Germany plans €1 billion in military aid and €350 million for energy repairs. Merz traveled with Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and executives from Siemens Energy, Hensoldt, Diehl Defence and Quantum Systems. An agreement is expected on joint production of drones, missiles and software, including weapons with ranges over 1,000 kilometres. Quantum Systems and WIY Drones formed a joint venture in April for the Strila interceptor drone. On October 3 the Russian Foreign Ministry warned foreign diplomats and visitors to avoid Ukraine, saying those who ignore the warning bear responsibility for negative consequences. Andriy Sybiga said Ukraine highly values Germany's strong leadership in Europe. Zelenskiy said Ukraine would intensify attacks on Russian oil refineries and expressed confidence the FP-9 ballistic missile would be ready this autumn. WHAT'S CONTESTED: No contested claims found in record.