Germany offers anti-drone support for Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced a new package of support for Ukraine after holding talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv. The package includes measures to counter Russian attacks that use jet-powered drones.

On Sunday, Merz pledged more than 1.3 billion euros, or 1.46 billion dollars, in new German aid at a joint news conference with Zelenskyy in the Ukrainian capital.

The support includes funds for procuring weapons and repairing energy facilities, as well as the production of new interceptor drones against the Russian jet-powered drones.

The Russian military has been increasing attacks using these drones, which are fast and difficult to shoot down. Ukraine says that in one week alone, the Russians have launched more than 1,900 drones against Ukraine, and over 800 of them were jet-powered.

Russia has been stepping up its attacks on Kyiv. On Sunday, when Merz was in the city, a bridge on the Dnipro River was hit by Russian drones.

This was Merz's second visit to Kyiv since he became chancellor in May last year. At the joint news conference, he said, "We will do everything we can to help Ukraine until this terrible war finally comes to an end." He also repeated his call for Russia to engage in peace negotiations.

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Germany's support.