Germany’s Merz visits Kyiv to back Ukraine as Russia warns of strikes

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Sunday to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, pledging continued support for Ukraine as Russia warned foreigners and diplomats to leave the city ahead of "massive" airstrikes. Merz, accompanied by Economy Minister Katherina Reiche, arrived by train and was met by Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga. The German leader stated Ukraine needs "all our support" in the coming weeks, emphasizing that if Russia is not stopped, its war machine could turn against Europe. The visit comes as Russia intensifies attacks on Kyiv's infrastructure, including energy facilities and bridges across the Dnipro river, ahead of winter. Moscow issued a similar warning in May, but Western leaders have continued visiting Ukraine despite the threats.