Merz Responded to Moscow's Threats During His Visit to Kyiv
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that threats from Moscow did not influence his decision to visit Kyiv. During his visit, Russian drones attacked the capital, but Merz said that even this would not change Germany’s position.
Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv accompanied by Federal Minister of Economics Katerina Reiche, representatives of the German government, and a large economic delegation. During a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the chancellor said that Germany had received threats from Moscow prior to the trip. However, this was not a reason to cancel or postpone the visit. “Despite the threats we have received from Moscow in recent days, I arrived today. Accompanying me are a colleague from the government, Federal Minister of Economics Katerina Reiche, a large delegation from my government, as well as a large economic delegation. And this shows: we will not allow ourselves to be intimidated,” said Merz.
According to the chancellor, the Russian drone attack that took place during his stay in Kyiv will not change Germany’s position either. Merz noted that the attack itself demonstrates just how ruthlessly Russia continues to act against Ukraine. “We will not allow ourselves to be intimidated by a drone attack taking place at the same time as our visit. But this also shows just how ruthlessly Russia continues to act against Ukraine,” the chancellor stated.
He explained that by coming to Kyiv, he aims not only to demonstrate support for Ukraine but also to send a political signal to Europe. According to Merz, this moment is crucial not only for Ukraine but for the entire European continent. “I also want to send a political signal at a time that is decisive not only for Ukraine’s future but also for Europe’s future,” he said.
Journalists also asked Merz whether he believed the Russian threats were specifically linked to his visit to Kyiv and whether he felt personally threatened by them. The chancellor replied that he did not know whether these threats were directly related to his trip. At the same time, he stated that he would not allow them to influence his decisions. “I don’t know if this threat was related to my visit. And even if it was, it doesn’t faze me either. You can see that I’m here, and I’m making the trips I believe are right, not the ones others want to prevent. So, frankly speaking, I’m relatively indifferent to it,” Merz said.
He also noted that the trip to Kyiv had been planned in advance. According to him, it took place despite external threats and the domestic political difficulties currently facing Germany. This is Merz’s second visit to Kyiv since he became head of the German government. Overall, this marks the chancellor’s fourth visit to the Ukrainian capital. At the end of his speech, Merz assured Ukraine of Germany’s continued support. “We stand by your side—for a free Ukraine and for a safe and peaceful Europe, in which we see our future together,” the chancellor emphasized. The head of the German government made this statement during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv.
Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets use between 5,000 and 6,000 20-millimeter rounds per day to counter jet-powered drones. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is working to secure that amount of ammunition daily and is already discussing its supply with partners.
