Merz Vows Stronger Aid for Ukraine Ahead of Winter as EU Eyes Budget and Air-Defence Support

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Tuesday he will do everything possible to help Ukraine withstand the coming winter, as European leaders prepare to discuss additional financial and military assistance at a European Council meeting scheduled for mid-October.

Speaking in Berlin during a meeting with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Merz said preparations are under way to consider "how we can further improve our assistance." He said EU talks will focus on concrete measures to support Ukraine's budget and on strengthening air-defence capabilities — which he called "one of the greatest challenges facing Ukraine".

Merz added that he is conducting personal conversations with several world leaders to secure the supplies needed for Ukraine's air-defence systems, underscoring Germany's push to coordinate support quickly ahead of colder months when energy and infrastructure vulnerabilities increase.

The chancellor reiterated his demand that Russia end its war and engage in serious negotiations, saying any meaningful peace process should include European involvement.

President Tokayev said he favours a temporary freeze in military operations on Ukrainian territory to create space for diplomacy and negotiations. He avoided direct criticism of either Moscow or Kyiv, noting that both Russia and Ukraine are considered important partners for Kazakhstan.

On Vladimir Putin, Tokayev said: "I know him very well. And he has the necessary character traits for the role of head of state of a very large country with a very complicated history, with its own understanding of the strategic goals facing that country."

Merz's comments set the stage for intensified EU coordination on budgetary assistance and air-defence reinforcements ahead of the mid-October council, while highlighting diplomatic divisions in the region and differing approaches to achieving a ceasefire and negotiation framework.