German minister: Putin targeted Kyiv to intimidate during Merz visit

German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche said Russia's Kremlin leadership deliberately targeted Kyiv during her weekend visit with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, using drone attacks to send a signal of intimidation. She described the strikes as cynical and inhumane. Reiche reported four air raid alarms during the overnight journey to Kyiv, roughly every two and a half hours, plus about six attacks during the day. She said Russia has made a technological leap with faster jet-propelled drones, making interception harder and endangering critical infrastructure like power grids and hospitals. The minister noted that about 20 of 100 Russian drones now reach their targets, which she called too many. She believes Moscow aimed near the city center intentionally to create fear and uncertainty, and praised Ukrainians' resilience and President Volodymyr Selenskyj's composure.