Merz and Mathernová send a message to Moscow from Kyiv, reports Euronews

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on Sunday, on his second trip to the Ukrainian capital since taking office, bringing a newly announced €1.3 billion support package aimed at Ukraine’s defence and energy needs, euronews.com reported.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Delivers €1.3 Billion Package to Kyiv

The newly announced €1.3 billion defense and energy package is designed to support Ukraine as Russian forces intensify their aerial bombardment with ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones. Merz stated during his visit that If Russia is not stopped, its war machine will sooner or later turn against us, adding assurances to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Kyiv can continue to count on German help.

Zelenskyy thanked the German chancellor on the social media platform X, emphasizing that Ukraine is not fighting alone and stating that Russia must be stopped together. Former European Council President Charles Michel told Europe Today that the German financial package goes beyond immediate battlefield support, describing it as funding for our common future.

Diplomatic Friction Surrounding the German and Russian Foreign Ministries

While Wadephul’s primary message during the bilateral talks demanded that Russia stop its invasion and enter negotiations with Ukraine, the encounter caused concern in Brussels as a potential thawing of diplomatic isolation around senior Kremlin leadership.

In contrast to diplomatic outreach, European officials have maintained a defiant stance on the ground inside Ukraine. Following fresh warnings from Moscow advising diplomats to leave the country or put their lives at risk, EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarína Mathernová issued a firm response, declaring, We are staying.