German Chancellor Merz Visits Kyiv for Drone Deal Finalization, Announces Aid Package
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on October 4 to finalize a joint drone production deal with Ukraine and announce new military aid. The visit includes the release of €1 billion in military support and €350 million for energy sector repairs. Merz is accompanied by defense company executives, including those from Quantum Systems, which has developed anti-jet drones used against Russian attacks. The collaboration involves a joint venture between German firm Quantum and Ukrainian manufacturer WIY Drones to produce the Strila interceptor drone and long-range weapons capable of striking deep into Russia. The deal also aims to strengthen Germany's own defense capabilities by improving infrastructure protection from hybrid threats. Merz emphasized continued support for Ukraine, warning that failure to stop Russian aggression could threaten Europe. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has pledged cooperation on reforms and expressed readiness to escalate attacks on Russian oil refineries in response to Moscow’s intensified strikes on civilian targets.
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