Merz Visits Kyiv, Supports Taurus Missiles for Ukraine Amid Potential Policy Shift

Dec 9, 2024, 08:13 AM

Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany's conservative CDU party and a candidate for Chancellor, made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on December 9, 2024. This visit, his second since the onset of the conflict, underscores his commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. Merz's trip follows closely after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's visit to the Ukrainian capital. During his visit, Merz expressed his intention to assess Ukraine's defense needs and explore how Germany could further assist, including the potential supply of Taurus cruise missiles, which he supports, in contrast to Scholz's veto. Merz's visit signals a potential shift in German policy towards Ukraine, especially as his party, CDU/CSU, leads in polls ahead of the February vote.