German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visits Kyiv as Russian strikes target bridges

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made a surprise visit to Kyiv on Sunday to show solidarity with Ukraine, France 24, the BBC, and Euronews reported. His arrival came as Russian drone strikes targeted major infrastructure in the capital, including critical river crossings, according to France 24 and the Guardian. [1][2][3][6]

A Russian drone struck Kyiv's Northern Bridge on Sunday morning, causing a large fireball and injuring two people, the BBC reported. This marked the fourth consecutive day that Russian attacks have targeted major bridges across the Dnipro River in Kyiv, according to Guardian Europe and the BBC. The Southern Bridge was also hit multiple times earlier in the week, the BBC noted. [2][3][4][14]

The head of government of Germany was accompanied on the unannounced trip by Economy Minister Katherina Reiche as well as representatives from German energy and defence firms, Euronews reported. Euronews and DW.com noted that the delegation aimed to promise additional military and financial aid to Ukraine. [6][8][13]

Moscow stated that it will intensify its strikes on Ukraine, Politico Europe reported. The announcement followed statements from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Ukraine would have to respond to the strikes, with plans to increase attacks against Russian oil refineries, according to Politico Europe and Guardian Europe. [5][7]