Germany to provide over €1 billion in aid to Ukraine, prepares joint drone production

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, and met President Volodymyr Zelensky, pledging continued support for Ukraine.

German government officials said Merz is preparing to announce a package of about €1 billion in military aid and nearly €350 million for repairing energy infrastructure.

Work is also underway to finalise agreements for the joint production of various types of drones.

Both leaders visited the building of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences, which was damaged in a Russian drone attack. There, Merz urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the "pointless war." Merz said Germany is ready for negotiations to end the war, but attacks on civilians must stop.

During the visit, air raid sirens sounded repeatedly in Kyiv on Sunday and explosions were heard. According to Mayor Vitali Klitschko, one attack damaged a section of the road on the Northern Bridge over the Dnipro River and the hot water supply system.

Merz is accompanied by Economy and Energy Minister Katherina Reiche and executives from companies including Siemens Energy, Hensoldt, Diehl Defence and Quantum Systems.

Merz is expected to press the Ukrainian government on reforms demanded by the European Union, including the fight against corruption.

On Wednesday, Zelensky said Ukraine would soon reach an agreement with Germany on the production of drones, missiles and related software. The agreement is expected to centre on the rapid production of an anti-jet drone that Quantum Systems has already tested.