Germany's Merz arrives in Kyiv to pledge more support

Chancellor Friedrich Merz is expected to announce a new raft of measures to support Ukraine, including military aid and plans for the joint production of interceptor drones.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, on Sunday morning, accompanied by Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and a delegation of leading German economic figures.

Merz is expected to announce a new raft of measures to support Ukraine in its fight against the ongoing Russian invasion, including a further billion euros in German military aid, plus €350 million ($395 million) for energy sector repairs, according to German media reports.

The chancellor is also expected to unveil plans for the co-production of interceptor drones and long-range missiles both in Ukraine and Germany.

"If Russia is not stopped, it will turn its war machine against us sooner or later," Merz said upon his arrival in Kyiv by train.

More to follow …