Russia has struck a key bridge in Kyiv as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in the Ukrainian capital to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The unannounced visit occurred on Sunday amid air raid sirens and explosions, highlighting Germany's support for Ukraine during a time of increased Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities.
In a written statement, Merz said, "I travelled to Kyiv today because Ukraine needs all our support in the coming weeks." He added, "If Russia is not stopped, its war machine will sooner or later turn against us." Merz and Zelenskyy met at the National Academy of Sciences, which had previously been struck by a Russian drone on September 28.
Zelenskyy informed Merz that Kyiv's citizens are experiencing "terrible nights and days" due to ongoing Russian attacks. Merz was accompanied by his economy minister and executives from several large German companies, including Siemens Energy and Diehl Defence.
Ukraine and Germany are expected to finalize a deal to produce drones and other weapons capable of traveling more than 600 miles (965.6 km) to target deeper into Russia. Germany has been a strong supporter of Ukraine, signing a military pact worth over $4 billion in April. On Sunday, a $1.1 billion military aid package is anticipated to be announced, along with $394 million for repairing damage to Ukraine's energy sector.
Merz's visit follows a warning from Russia for foreign diplomats and nationals to leave Kyiv to avoid potential harm. Russia's Ministry of Defence announced plans to intensify strikes on Ukraine after Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine is increasing its targeting of Russian oil refineries following civilian casualties over the weekend.
The strike on the Northern Bridge over the Dnipro River on Sunday also caused damage to a road and disrupted hot water supply in the area, as reported by Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. This incident marks the second bridge in Kyiv to be hit over the weekend. Russia's extensive military campaign against Ukraine has now entered its fifth year, with both sides ramping up drone and missile attacks on infrastructure, logistics, and military sites in recent months.