German Opposition Leader Friedrich Merz Visits Kyiv to Evaluate Ukraine’s Defense Sector

The leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and candidate for Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, arrived in Kyiv on December 9.

Merz stated that the purpose of his visit is to gain a better understanding of Ukraine’s current defense capabilities and to reaffirm Germany’s commitment to supporting Kyiv.

"If our support for Ukraine is consistent, then this war will end more quickly," he told reporters.

Merz is widely regarded as the leading contender to succeed Social Democrat Olaf Scholz as Chancellor. His visit comes exactly one week after Chancellor Scholz’s trip to Kyiv.

During his stay, he is also scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Previously, Merz has stated that, if elected Chancellor, he would push for a 24-hour deadline for Russia to end the war. Should this demand go unmet, he would support delivering Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine, potentially enabling strikes on Russian territory. Ukraine has long advocated for these missiles to strengthen its defense capabilities.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has continuously opposed the delivery of Taurus missiles to Ukraine, citing concerns that it could draw Germany and NATO directly into the war.

The CDU leader has also emphasized the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity as essential to its victory.

“Victory means that [Ukraine] must regain sovereignty over its territory. And Russia must stop attacking this country. We must do everything possible to make Russia see the futility of continuing the war with the use of military force. And we are still a long way from that."