German Chancellor Candidate Merz Makes Unannounced Kyiv Visit, Meets Zelensky, Supports Taurus Missiles

Dec 9, 2024, 08:30 AM

Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and chancellor candidate, has made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on December 9, marking his second trip to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in 2022. With the collapse of Germany's coalition government, Merz is poised to assume power. He is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to assess Ukraine's defense needs and demonstrate continued German support against Russian aggression. Unlike current Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who visited Kyiv a week earlier, Merz supports providing Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles and is considered a supporter of a tougher stance toward Russia. The CDU/CSU alliance leads in polls ahead of the upcoming February election, strengthening Merz's position as the likely next Chancellor.