Russian Strikes on Kyiv and Sumy Kill Five as Merz Visits with New Aid

Russian attacks on Ukraine killed at least five people and wounded 30 in the past 24 hours, with drones targeting the Sumy region overnight. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported Russia launched 135 attack drones, including strikes on Kyiv's Pivnichnyi Bridge. The Kremlin said Russia will fight for even 0.01% of Donetsk territory, while Moscow's Defense Ministry announced intensified attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv, announcing €1 billion in military aid and €350 million for energy support. A UN report documented 15,280 civilian casualties in the first eight months of 2026, a 55% increase, and attributed 89% of 1,004 confirmed conflict-related sexual violence cases to Russian forces. A new underground kindergarten opened in Zaporizhzhia for 115 children.