German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on Sunday for a high-stakes visit aimed at reassuring Ukraine of Germany's backing as Russia intensifies its bombardment of the capital.
Air raid sirens and explosions rang out across Kyiv on Sunday morning as Merz reached the city, underlining the escalation he had come to address. Four air raid alerts sounded during the morning, and Russian strikes hit the Northern Bridge across the Dnipro River, damaging its roadway. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the strike also damaged a hot water supply system in the area. It was the second bridge in the capital to be struck this weekend, part of a Russian campaign since last week to disrupt links between the two banks of the Dnipro and logistics routes to eastern Ukraine.
1 billion euros in military aid and a drone deal
Merz is expected to announce a package including the release of 1 billion euros (about $1.13 billion) in military aid and 350 million euros for repairs in Ukraine's energy sector, according to German government officials. A deal for the joint production of various kinds of drones is also due to be finalised, with the two sides expected to agree on building weapons together that can strike deep into Russia.
The chancellor is travelling with Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and an economic delegation including executives from Siemens Energy, Hensoldt, Diehl Defence and Quantum Systems. Merz is also expected to press Kyiv on reforms requested by EU partners, including the fight against corruption.
'You can continue to count on our help'
"I travelled to Kyiv today because Ukraine needs all our support in the coming weeks," Merz said on arrival, adding that Russian forces were bombing towns, residential buildings and heating plants. "If Russia is not stopped, sooner or later its war machine will turn against us."
Merz and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met at the National Academy of Sciences, whose building was struck by a Russian drone on September 28. Zelenskiy told the chancellor that Kyiv's citizens were enduring "terrible nights and days" under relentless attacks.
The visit came a day after Russia warned foreign diplomats and nationals to leave the capital to avoid being hurt.
Sources:
Russia hits Kyiv bridge as Germany's Merz visits Ukraine's capital — Al Jazeera
Germany's Merz arrives in Kyiv to the sound of sirens and explosions — Reuters via LA Post
Germany's Merz arrives in Kyiv, pledges support for Ukraine — Free Malaysia Today
Air raid sirens and explosions rang out across Kyiv on Sunday morning as Merz reached the city, underlining the escalation he had come to address. Four air raid alerts sounded during the morning, and Russian strikes hit the Northern Bridge across the Dnipro River, damaging its roadway. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the strike also damaged a hot water supply system in the area. It was the second bridge in the capital to be struck this weekend, part of a Russian campaign since last week to disrupt links between the two banks of the Dnipro and logistics routes to eastern Ukraine.
1 billion euros in military aid and a drone deal
Merz is expected to announce a package including the release of 1 billion euros (about $1.13 billion) in military aid and 350 million euros for repairs in Ukraine's energy sector, according to German government officials. A deal for the joint production of various kinds of drones is also due to be finalised, with the two sides expected to agree on building weapons together that can strike deep into Russia.
The chancellor is travelling with Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and an economic delegation including executives from Siemens Energy, Hensoldt, Diehl Defence and Quantum Systems. Merz is also expected to press Kyiv on reforms requested by EU partners, including the fight against corruption.
'You can continue to count on our help'
"I travelled to Kyiv today because Ukraine needs all our support in the coming weeks," Merz said on arrival, adding that Russian forces were bombing towns, residential buildings and heating plants. "If Russia is not stopped, sooner or later its war machine will turn against us."
Merz and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met at the National Academy of Sciences, whose building was struck by a Russian drone on September 28. Zelenskiy told the chancellor that Kyiv's citizens were enduring "terrible nights and days" under relentless attacks.
The visit came a day after Russia warned foreign diplomats and nationals to leave the capital to avoid being hurt.
Sources:
Russia hits Kyiv bridge as Germany's Merz visits Ukraine's capital — Al Jazeera
Germany's Merz arrives in Kyiv to the sound of sirens and explosions — Reuters via LA Post
Germany's Merz arrives in Kyiv, pledges support for Ukraine — Free Malaysia Today
