Merz visits Kyiv as Russia escalates attacks on Ukrainian cities

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on Sunday to show support for Ukraine as Russia intensifies attacks on Ukrainian cities with ballistic missiles and drones. He pledged continued German assistance, warning that if Russia is not stopped, its war machine could turn against Europe. Merz, on his second trip as chancellor, told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Ukraine can count on Germany's help, emphasizing the partnership benefits both nations through joint technology development. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the agenda focuses on strengthening Ukraine's defence and shared European security. Russia's Foreign Ministry announced it would continue "mass retaliatory strikes" on Kyiv and other cities, urging foreign nationals to leave. A Russian drone struck Kyiv's Northern Bridge on Sunday morning, following assaults that forced partial closure of three of the city's six road bridges over the Dnipro River this week.