With German Chancellor Scholz’s legendary weakness on Russia now costing him at the ballot box, Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and candidate for chancellor, has announced plans to visit Ukraine in the coming days. Speaking at a security policy event in Berlin, Merz emphasized his intention to brief European partners on the outcomes of his trip.

Facing growing pressure at home due to weakness on Russia, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made an unannounced visit to Kyiv this morning, marking his first trip to the Ukrainian capital since June 2022. During this visit, Scholz pledged an additional €650 million ($680 million) in military aid to Ukraine, with deliveries expected within the month.