German chancellor pledges €1bn in Kyiv as Russian strikes hit bridges

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on Sunday for a solidarity visit, pledging €1 billion in military aid as Russia intensified drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, including a strike on a Kyiv bridge during his stay. Merz said the visit demonstrates Germany will not be intimidated, announcing the aid package and energy support. Germany remains Ukraine's largest donor, having sent over €43.3 billion since the war began, with Merz warning that if Russia is not stopped, its war machine will turn against Europe. Russian attacks forced partial closure of three Kyiv bridges this week, wounding two people in Sunday's strike, while one person died in Sumy. Russia vowed to intensify strikes, and Moscow's foreign ministry urged foreigners to leave, as fighting along the 1,250km frontline remains deadlocked.