Merz in Kyiv urges Putin to end 'senseless war' as drones strike the capital

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv on Sunday as Russian drones struck the Ukrainian capital, prompting him to urge President Vladimir Putin to end the "senseless war" and calling the attacks daily war crimes. A drone strike hit the roadway of Kyiv's North Bridge after Merz's arrival, with debris falling on a residential building, while a Russian glide bomb in Sumy injured five people. Merz, accompanied by Economy Minister Katherina Reiche, vowed continued support, including drones and additional military aid, and rejected intimidation, noting three drone alarms during his visit. Security expert Nico Lange called the attacks a deliberate show of force to intimidate Ukraine's supporters, while Merz's visit signaled resolve. Germany remains Ukraine's largest backer, having released one billion euros in military aid and 350 million euros for energy infrastructure ahead of the fifth winter of war.