Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv on Sunday to reaffirm Germany’s support for Ukraine as Russia escalates its attacks on Ukrainian cities. The conflict has intensified, with Moscow launching difficult-to-intercept ballistic missiles and drones across Ukraine, while Kyiv has responded with strikes targeting Russian commercial and oil infrastructure.
This marks Merz’s second trip to Kyiv as chancellor. He emphasised Germany’s commitment by stating, “If Russia is not stopped, its war machine will sooner or later turn against us,” and assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, “You can continue to count on our help.”
Merz highlighted the mutual benefits of the partnership between Germany and Ukraine by noting joint efforts in technology, saying, “This makes us safer and stronger.” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha added that discussions would focus on enhancing Ukraine’s defence and collective European security.
On Saturday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry warned it would continue with “mass retaliatory strikes” against Kyiv, advising foreign citizens and diplomats to leave Ukraine. A drone attack on Kyiv’s Northern Bridge on Sunday morning resulted in an explosion near crossing traffic, but no casualties were reported.
This assault followed earlier attacks earlier in the week that caused significant traffic disruptions due to the closure of bridges over the Dnipro River. Despite more than four years of conflict, there is still no sign of a potential peace settlement, with the front lines across Ukraine remaining largely unchanged.
