Merz arrives in Kyiv for talks with Zelensky in show of support for Ukraine
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit on Sunday, October 4, 2026, to express support for Ukraine. He will hold talks with Volodymyr Zelensky.
Yulduz Salimov2 min read
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on Sunday, October 4, 2026, on an unannounced visit as a sign of support for Ukraine in its war with Russia. The visit was reported by official sources.
Kyiv is facing intensifying Russian missile and drone attacks targeting critical infrastructure, including the energy sector, which is vital for electricity supply and heating as winter approaches.
"I came to Kyiv today because Ukraine needs all our support in the coming weeks. If Russia is not stopped, its war machine will sooner or later turn against us," Merz said in a statement released after his arrival.
According to government sources, the chancellor is accompanied on the trip by Economy Minister Katherina Reiche. Germany is among Ukraine's largest backers.
Merz was met at the railway station by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha. According to him, the chancellor will hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky "on all issues of our bilateral, European and international agenda."
"Ukraine and Germany have built a strong strategic partnership, and we intend to deepen it," Sybiha wrote on the social network X.
In his statement, Merz noted that he would tell the Ukrainian leader: "You can continue to count on our help." The statement also mentioned cooperation between German and Ukrainian companies.
Earlier this week, the chancellor called for unity within NATO, Europe and his own country, where the far-right, Moscow-friendly Alternative for Germany party is gaining strength.
On Saturday, Russia warned foreigners and diplomats to leave Kyiv, saying "massive" new airstrikes would be carried out on the city. Russia's Foreign Ministry said that "responsibility for any possible negative consequences lies entirely with those who ignore this warning." Moscow made a similar warning in May.
Kyiv has been facing heavy airstrikes and has repeatedly requested additional air defense munitions. In recent days, Russia has attacked several bridges across the Dnipro River that divides the city, causing a transport collapse. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Friday that the city, located far from the front line, found itself in a "very dramatic situation" and must move to martial law.
Source: thehindu.com
