Germany pledges $1.5 billion in new aid to Ukraine during Kyiv visit

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a new aid package for Ukraine worth over $1.5 billion during a visit to Kyiv on Sunday, as Russia escalated attacks on Ukrainian cities. The package includes military and energy assistance. About $1.1 billion is military aid, including long-range strike weapons, combat drones, and satellite technology, while $395 million supports energy infrastructure ahead of winter. Ukraine and Germany also signed 15 agreements worth over $9.6 billion covering security cooperation and weapons production. Merz condemned Russian strikes on civilian sites as war crimes, and both leaders discussed air defense needs. Zelensky said Russia launched 900 jet-powered drones last week, with Ukraine intercepting only about half. Germany remains Ukraine's largest donor, having sent over $48.8 billion since the war began.