Merz visits Kyiv as drone strikes hit Dnieper bridges

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on Sunday to show support for Ukraine as Russian attacks on the capital continue, with a drone strike hitting a bridge during his visit. Two of Kyiv's eight Dnieper River bridges have been targeted by Russian jet drones in recent days, causing massive traffic jams. Mayor Vitaly Klitschko reported an impact on the North Bridge, while Merz announced approximately one billion euros in new military aid, mainly for defense against jet drones, plus 350 million euros for infrastructure ahead of winter. Merz's visit follows regional election defeats to the far-right AfD, which opposes aid to Kyiv. Russia had warned foreigners to leave Kyiv ahead of "massive retaliatory strikes," as Ukraine faces air defense shortages and a budget deficit.