Merz arrives in Kyiv under Russian drone attacks, announces new aid package

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on October 4, his first visit to the Ukrainian capital since 2025, amid daily Russian drone attacks on the city. He will announce a new aid package for Ukraine. Merz met with President Volodymyr Zelensky and called on Russia to end the war, stating Ukraine and its partners are ready for negotiations after the fighting stops. The aid package includes €1 billion in weapons and €350 million for energy sector restoration, plus joint drone and long-range weapon production. Overnight, Kyiv was attacked six times, with a drone striking the Northern Bridge and injuring two people. At least 135 Russian drones were launched nationwide, and guided bombs hit Sumy, wounding seven.