Ukraine War & German Security: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made an unannounced trip to Kyiv under air-raid sirens, as a Russian drone hit the Northern Bridge over the Dnipro, injuring two people. Merz used the visit to announce a new €1.3bn package for Ukraine—about €1bn in military aid plus €350m for energy repairs ahead of winter—and to push for deeper defense industry cooperation, including expanded counter-drone work and joint production deals. Taurus Missile Push: Zelensky again pressed for Germany to transfer Taurus cruise missiles, saying “never give up,” while Merz framed support as vital to European security and urged Putin to stop “senseless” attacks. EU Accession Momentum: Merz said Germany is working in Brussels to speed up Ukraine’s EU path and reiterated his proposal for “associate membership,” while linking further support to Ukrainian reforms. Domestic German Politics: Merz told ARD he wants coalition stability and urged reforms, especially on pensions, as approval ratings remain low. Berlin Political Journal Note: The week’s biggest Germany-related political story is clearly Kyiv—Berlin’s Ukraine policy is driving both foreign policy and internal debate.