German Chancellor Merz pledges €1 billion in military aid to Ukraine during Kyiv visit

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv on Sunday under air raid sirens and explosions, announcing roughly one billion euros in military aid for Ukraine while urging Moscow to end its attacks. He called on Putin to stop the "senseless war" during a press conference with President Zelensky. The visit came as Russian strikes hit Kyiv, damaging the North Bridge over the Dnieper River and injuring two people. Russia's Defense Ministry announced intensified strikes on Ukrainian military and energy infrastructure, while Zelensky said Ukraine would escalate attacks on Russian oil refineries in response. The German aid package includes 350 million euros for energy infrastructure repairs and a joint drone production agreement. Merz also urged Ukraine to accelerate anti-corruption reforms demanded by European partners, as both countries deny targeting civilians.