Ukraine

Kiev, October 5, 2026. Ukraine's press is treating the visit of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who arrived by train on Sunday, October 4, without prior announcement, as a war meeting rather than a diplomatic one. According to Ukrinform and Kyiv Post, Volodymyr Zelensky and the Chancellor presented a package of over 1.3 billion euros: approximately 1 billion euros in military aid (air defense, long-range strikes, combat drones, satellite communications) and around 350 million euros for substations and emergency electricity production before winter. "These are weapons that will help us now, as well as support for our energy sector," Zelensky said.

Ukrinform specifies that the package also finances interceptors against Shahed jet drones. Fifteen agreements were signed, worth over 8.5 billion euros: production, purchases, Ukrainian orders to the German industry, joint projects on Ukrainian soil. Zelensky recalled that Berlin had allocated 11.5 billion euros to Ukraine this year.

The Russian threat plays a significant role in the reports. TSN reports that the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had called on diplomats and foreign officials to leave Kiev. Merz responded: "I will not be intimidated." Zelensky stated that Russia is trying to frighten partners "with direct threats, constant alerts, and bombings," and thanked Berlin for maintaining its embassy. The two men visited the site of the September 28 strike against the National Academy of Sciences, which killed two people and injured seven, despite a new air alert. The head of rescue services, Andrii Danyk, showed the Chancellor the trajectory of the drones in real-time.

Regarding Europe, TSN and Ukrinform relay Merz's promise to accelerate Ukraine's accession, while linking EU financial aid to reforms on the rule of law and anti-corruption. The Chancellor repeated his proposal for associated membership and announced a meeting of the coalition of volunteers this winter with France and the United Kingdom. Kiev, according to Ukrinform, aims for integration as early as 2027.

Regarding the Taurus, Zelensky sees it as a signal of strengthened support. When asked about a delivery, he replied: "Of course, never give up." Merz, for his part, mentioned Russian hybrid attacks in Germany, citing Leipzig airport, and Berlin's measures against the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian House.