Merz visits Kyiv under drone fire, urges Putin to end war
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made a surprise visit to Kyiv under Russian drone attacks, urging Putin to end the war and pledging new aid. Moscow responded by announcing intensified strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure. Merz brought €1 billion in military aid and €350 million for energy support, alongside defense partnership agreements. Russia's Defense Ministry threatened more attacks following Zelensky's comments, while the Kremlin stated readiness to fight for every part of Donetsk. Zelensky revealed the US plans trilateral talks with Ukraine and Russia by late October. Meanwhile, EU embassies remain in Kyiv, though diplomats are preparing contingency plans to relocate to Lviv or Poland if Russia targets foreign missions.