The candidate for the position of Chancellor of Germany from the "Christian Democratic Union" (CDU) Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit. This happened after the visit of the current Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz.
Points of attention
- Friedrich Mertz arrived in Kyiv for meetings with Ukrainian officials and determination of support during the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine.
- Supporting Ukraine in the fight against Russia is a priority for the German chancellor candidate and the Estonian prime minister.
- Friedrich Mertz emphasized the importance of consistent support to Ukraine for the sooner the end of the war in the east of the country.
- The German chancellor candidate also plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi.
What is known about Friedrich Mertz's visit to Kyiv
It is noted that Mertz arrived in the Ukrainian capital by a special train in the morning. For security reasons, plans for his visit were kept secret.
Putin will go to negotiations only when Ukraine can defend itself. Today I visited Kyiv to find out what the situation is in Ukraine and where we can provide support, — wrote Friedrich Mertz.
„Der Krieg in der #Ukraine muss so schnell wie möglich enden. Nur wenn die Ukraine sich verteidigen kann, wird sich Putin auf Verhandlungen einlassen. Um zu erfahren, wie die Lage in der Ukraine ist und wo wir unterstützen können, bin ich heute nach #Kiew gereist.“ (tm) pic.twitter.com/1f8Rvy4hGz
— Friedrich Merz (@_FriedrichMerz) December 9, 2024
If our support for Ukraine weakens, the war will last longer. If it is consistent, the war will end sooner, Mertz emphasized.
The German chancellor candidate also announced a planned meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
This is Friedrich Mertz's second visit to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russia.
Estonian Prime Minister Michal also arrived in Kyiv
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal arrived in Kyiv for a visit. According to Michal, during the visit he plans to meet with Zelenskyi, his Ukrainian colleague Denys Shmyhal and the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk.
Arrived in Kyiv this morning to meet with @ZelenskyyUa, @Denys_Shmyhal and @r_stefanchuk.
— Kristen Michal (@KristenMichalPM) December 9, 2024
Supporting Ukraine until victory will remain Estonia’s priority, we will make no concessions.
Ukraine’s victory is a win for Europe, the US and to the whole democratic world. pic.twitter.com/uobyrkUAL8
Supporting Ukraine to victory will remain Estonia's priority, we will not make any concessions. Ukraine's victory is a victory for Europe, the USA and the entire democratic world, said Kristen Michal.
