German Chancellor Merz visits Kyiv to reaffirm support for Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Sunday, October 4, to demonstrate support for Ukraine in its war against Russia, stating the country needs "all our support in the coming weeks." Merz, accompanied by Economy Minister Katherina Reiche, said he would tell President Volodymyr Zelensky that Ukraine can continue to count on German aid, highlighting cooperation between German and Ukrainian businesses. The visit comes a day after Russia urged diplomats and foreigners to leave Kyiv, warning of continued "massive retaliatory strikes." Ukraine's capital has faced near-daily drone attacks recently, including harder-to-intercept jet drones, amid a shortage of anti-air defenses. A major bridge was struck Saturday following Friday's drone attacks that caused massive traffic jams across the city.