German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has begun an unannounced visit to Kyiv, arriving in the Ukrainian capital as Russian drones and missiles continued to target the city. Shortly after his arrival, a strike hit Kyiv’s Northern Bridge, underlining the security situation facing Ukraine and its European allies.
Merz meets Zelenskyy in Kyiv
Merz travelled to Kyiv by train on Sunday morning, accompanied by German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and representatives from Germany’s defence and energy industries. He was later received by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with the two leaders paying tribute to fallen Ukrainian soldiers at Independence Square.
The German chancellor said Ukraine was entering decisive weeks and stressed that Berlin intended to maintain its support.
Merz also warned that the consequences of the war extend beyond Ukraine, arguing that Germany’s own security depends on the outcome of the conflict.
Russian strike hits major Kyiv bridge
The visit unfolded against the immediate backdrop of continuing Russian attacks.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the road surface of the Northern Bridge, one of the major crossings over the Dnipro River, was damaged in a Russian strike. Air raid warnings sounded across the capital as Merz conducted his visit.
Russia has intensified attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities in recent days, with energy infrastructure, transport links and civilian facilities among the targets. The attacks are particularly significant as Ukraine prepares for another winter under wartime conditions.
Germany prepares further support
Merz’s visit is also expected to produce concrete new commitments.
German officials said Berlin plans to release €1 billion in additional military assistance and provide around €350 million for repairs to Ukraine’s damaged energy infrastructure. Germany and Ukraine are also expected to deepen cooperation on drone technology, including joint production and interceptor systems designed to counter increasingly sophisticated Russian attack drones.
The presence of German defence and energy executives alongside the political delegation signals that Berlin increasingly sees support for Ukraine as both a military and industrial partnership.
A visit carrying a wider European message
The timing gives Merz’s journey particular political significance.
Russia had warned foreign nationals and diplomats against travelling to Kyiv shortly before the German delegation arrived. Merz nevertheless proceeded with the visit, presenting German support for Ukraine as directly connected to European security.
With Russian attacks continuing and diplomacy showing little sign of producing an immediate end to the war, the scenes in Kyiv offered a stark illustration of Europe’s position: political leaders are discussing Ukraine’s future while the conflict continues around them.
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has begun an unannounced visit to Kyiv, arriving in the Ukrainian capital as Russian drones and missiles continued to target the city. Shortly after his arrival, a strike hit Kyiv’s Northern Bridge, underlining the security situation facing Ukraine and its European allies.