Merz to Push Reforms During Kyiv Visit

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, during his October 4 visit to Kyiv, urged the Ukrainian government to make progress on reforms, particularly in anti-corruption efforts required by EU partners, according to Reuters. Merz was accompanied by Economy Minister Katharina Reiche and a delegation including heads of Siemens Energy, Hensoldt, Diehl Defence, and Quantum Systems. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced upcoming agreements with Germany on producing drones, missiles, and software, focusing on fast production of interceptor drones tested by Quantum. The agreements also include joint development of weapons with a range exceeding 1,000 km for strikes deep into Russia. Earlier, Merz visited the National Academy of Sciences damaged by a Russian strike and called on Vladimir Putin to stop attacks and show readiness for negotiations.