Merz visits Kyiv as Russia urges foreigners to leave Ukrainian capital

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has arrived in Kyiv on a solidarity visit, pledging concrete military aid including interceptor drones and long-range weapons to support Ukraine's defense against Russia. He warned that if Russia is not stopped, its war machine will eventually turn against Germany. Merz traveled by special train accompanied by Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and ten defense and energy industry executives. He plans to assure Ukrainian forces of the imminent delivery of thousands of interceptor drones to counter Russia's fast jet-powered combat drones, and to advance production of long-range weapons targeting Russian supply lines. One billion euros from approved budget funds will be released for this, plus 350 million euros for repairing destroyed power plants. Hours before Merz's arrival, Russia's Foreign Ministry warned foreign visitors and diplomats to leave Kyiv, citing systematic strikes on military targets in response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilian infrastructure. Merz dismissed the warning, stating Ukraine needs all support for the coming weeks as the fifth war winter approaches, and he would tell President Zelensky that Germany's help remains reliable.