Merz Visits Kyiv Despite Russian Threats

Merz said he came to Kyiv despite what he described as threats from Moscow in recent days.

He traveled with members of the German government and a large German business delegation.

Merz said the visit demonstrated that Germany would not allow itself to be intimidated.

He also warned that Germany's political stability remains important for its economy, foreign policy and domestic policy.

Zelensky Marks German Unity Day

Zelensky said German Unity Day demonstrates that peoples can overcome dictatorships.

He linked Germany's history with current cooperation between Germany and Ukraine.

Zelensky said Russia must not win and that missiles, Shahed drones and war must not prevail over people's lives.

Zelensky Says Ukraine Is Responding to Russian Attacks

Zelensky said Russia had attacked warehouses belonging to Nova Poshta and Ukrposhta, two major Ukrainian postal and logistics companies.

He said Ukraine responded with attacks against Wildberries, a Russian e-commerce company.

Zelensky also referred to Russian attacks against bridges and questioned whether Moscow expected Ukraine not to respond.

Ukraine Raises Concerns Over Communications Attacks

Zelensky criticized Russian attacks on data centers and mobile communications.

He questioned why Moscow would target communications infrastructure when mobile networks are also used by people in Russia.

Zelensky accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of deliberately pursuing continued escalation.

These statements represent Zelensky's assessment of Russia's intentions.

Zelensky Claims Russia Has Large Missile Stockpile

Zelensky said Ukrainian intelligence estimates that Russia has around 700 ballistic missiles and several thousand other missiles.

He also claimed Russia is producing approximately 130–140 ballistic missiles each month.

Zelensky said Ukraine is working to counter Russia's missile production and stockpiles.

The figures were presented by Zelensky and were not independently verified in his remarks.

Russia May Increase Jet-Powered Drones

Zelensky said he expects Russian mass attacks to increasingly shift from large numbers of conventional Shahed drones toward more sophisticated, jet-powered versions.

He said Ukraine is already seeing what he described as an increasing proportion of jet-powered drones.

Zelensky Accuses Russia of Targeting Bridges

Zelensky described attacks on bridges as terrorism and said cutting major crossings could effectively separate the left and right banks of Ukrainian cities.

He claimed Russia wants civilians to leave major cities, particularly Kyiv, and accused Moscow of seeking to create instability in the Odesa region.

Zelensky also recalled the Russian campaign around Kharkiv and praised residents for resisting Russian pressure.

He said “Kharkiv defeated Putin”, presenting the statement as his assessment of the city's resistance.

Germany and Ukraine Expand Drone Cooperation

Zelensky said Germany and Ukraine are already cooperating on drone production.

He said Ukraine plans to purchase additional weapons and military equipment from Germany.

According to Zelensky, work has also begun on creating UAV units, with Ukraine prepared to help Germany with training and share its battlefield experience.

Zelensky Says European Support Is Necessary

Zelensky argued that there is no meaningful alternative to supporting Ukraine.

He said that if Ukraine had been left without assistance from Germany, Europe, Britain and the United States in 2022, he believes the country would not have been able to continue resisting Russia.

Zelensky warned that a weaker Ukraine could leave Russia closer to European borders.

He also pointed to the spread of drones into European countries as a reason for continued support, arguing that Russia could become more confident if Ukraine's defenses were weakened.

Merz Warns About Russia's Economy

Merz said Russia's economy cannot continue financing the war indefinitely.

He claimed Russia has reached what he called a “pain threshold,” pointing to:

  • 7% inflation
  • A 14% central-bank interest rate
  • Falling oil and gas revenues
  • A growing government deficit

These figures and Merz's assessment were presented as his argument that economic pressure on Russia is increasing.

Merz Warns About Russian Disinformation

Merz also accused Russian networks and their supporters in Germany of spreading systematic false information.

He described the current situation as a decisive moment and said he is more determined than ever to continue addressing the challenge.

Merz Defends Germany's Government Stability

Merz said some European Union countries and other partner nations are concerned about the stability of Germany's federal government.

He argued that some people in Germany may not fully understand the consequences if the government were unable to fulfill its responsibilities.

According to Merz, political instability could have major consequences for Germany's economy, foreign policy and domestic policy.

Key Points

  • Merz visited Kyiv despite what he described as recent threats from Moscow.
  • Zelensky said Russia must not win the war.
  • Zelensky accused Russia of attacking logistics, communications and bridges.
  • He claimed Russia has around 700 ballistic missiles and several thousand other missiles.
  • Zelensky said Russia produces around 130–140 ballistic missiles per month.
  • He expects Russia to increasingly use jet-powered drones.
  • Ukraine and Germany are cooperating on drone production.
  • Ukraine plans to purchase additional German weapons and equipment.
  • Merz said Russia's economy is facing increasing pressure.
  • Merz cited inflation, high interest rates, lower energy revenues and a growing deficit.
  • Merz accused Russian networks of spreading disinformation in Germany.
  • Both leaders emphasized continued cooperation between Germany and Ukraine.

Source

Statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz