Germany pledges new aid in Merz's surprise Kyiv visit
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Sunday, pledging further military and financial aid to Ukraine, including thousands of interceptor drones and funds for energy infrastructure repairs. Merz, accompanied by Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and defence and energy company representatives, announced delivery of interceptor drones to counter Russian jet-powered systems. Germany will also provide around one billion euros for joint long-range weapons production and 350 million euros for power plant reconstruction. The visit occurs amid heightened security after Russian airstrike warnings, with Merz urging Putin to stop the war. It follows declining domestic support for Ukraine aid, as a new poll shows Chancellor Merz's approval at 15% and the AfD leading at 30%.