Europe war-games life after Merz

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Announces New Aid Package in Kyiv

   German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on Sunday for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky amidst air raid sirens and active air defenses. During his visit, Merz announced a new military and financial support package totaling over 1.3 billion euros, or approximately $1.5 billion, designed to help counter escalating Russian drone and missile strikes. The funding includes about 1 billion euros for long-range strike weapons, combat drones, and satellite technology to target Russian launch pads. Additionally, 350 million euros is allocated to shore up Ukraine's energy sector ahead of winter.

   Why it matters

   The unannounced solidarity visit occurs as Russian forces intensify attacks on Ukrainian cities and vital energy infrastructure. The new package brings total German support to 8.5 billion euros. Meanwhile, the broader political environment in Germany involves severe pressures on the political center following gains by far-right and far-left factions.

   What is confirmed

   • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on Sunday on an unannounced visit.
   • A Russian drone struck a major bridge in Kyiv during the German chancellor's visit.
   • The new package includes about 1 billion euros in military aid, featuring long-range strike weapons, combat drones, and satellite technology.
   • The latest deal brings overall German support for Ukraine to 8.5 billion euros.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Europe is war-gaming life after Friedrich Merz.
   • Vladimir Putin is warning the West against escalating tensions over Kaliningrad.

   What to watch next

   • Implementation of the new 1.3 billion euro German aid package on the front lines
   • Further Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure as winter approaches
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. cnn.com — Germany’s AfD is so extreme it’s putting off other far-right parties
   2. WSJ — Opinion | The AfD’s Rise Is Angela Merkel’s Legacy
   3. NPR — Germany's political center fights for relevance after far-right and far-left gains
   4. politico.eu — Europe war-games life after Merz
   5. The Week — The political walking dead: Germany’s zombie chancellor
   6. www.ctvnews.ca — Ukraine news: Germany’s Merz announces new aid for Ukraine
   7. www.ocregister.com — Germany’s Merz announces new aid for Ukraine in Kyiv as Russia steps up attacks
   8. jen.jiji.com — Conte and the future, is Juve calling? "I want to go where they haven't won in a while"
   9. edition.cnn.com — Russian drone slams into bridge in Kyiv as Germany’s chancellor visits | CNN
   10. www.straitstimes.com — Putin’s war in Ukraine: ex-PM Kasyanov on mistakes and outlook
   11. today.rtl.lu — Germany's Merz in Kyiv for talks with Zelensky
   12. today.rtl.lu — Russia strikes hit Kyiv as Germany's Merz visits - RTL Today
   confidence 95%