Merz in Kyiv urges Putin to halt attacks on Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, during an unannounced visit to Kyiv, called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop attacks on Ukraine, stating Germany is ready for negotiations to end the war. Merz arrived in the Ukrainian capital on October 4 and said "barbaric attacks on civilians must stop." He is scheduled to discuss bilateral, European, and international issues with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and is expected to announce a €1 billion military aid package plus €350 million for energy sector restoration. The visit follows reports that the US plans to organize a meeting in October with Ukrainian and Russian representatives to discuss a limited ceasefire. Russia struck the Pivnichnyi Bridge shortly after Merz's arrival, and he paid tribute to fallen Ukrainian defenders at the start of his visit.