German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reached Kyiv on Sunday as a Russian drone struck the Pivnichnyi Bridge, and Berlin prepared about 1 billion euros in military aid plus a drone-production deal.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Sunday while Russian strikes continued against bridges in the Ukrainian capital. BBC News said the Pivnichnyi, or Northern, Bridge was hit on Sunday morning for a second day, after the Pivdennyi, or Southern, Bridge was struck several times earlier in the week.
Reuters reported air-raid sirens and explosions as Merz met President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. German officials told Reuters the package to be announced includes the release of 1 billion euros, about 1.13 billion dollars, in military aid and 350 million euros for energy-sector repairs, along with a deal for joint production of drones.
BBC said video it verified showed cars still moving on the Pivnichnyi Bridge when a drone hit and exploded. CNN reported Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said two people were injured. Russia's defence ministry said it would intensify strikes on Kyiv and other regions, BBC reported.
Merz wrote that Ukraine faces decisive weeks and that Germany's own security depends on the outcome of the war. He travelled with Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and executives from firms including Siemens Energy, Hensoldt, Diehl Defence and Quantum Systems, Reuters said.
Merz is also expected to press Kyiv on anti-corruption and other reforms sought by EU partners. The visit followed a Russian warning that foreign visitors to the capital were not safe.
People Sentiments Negative
- Merz posted that Ukraine can rely on Germany.
- Klitschko reported two people injured in the bridge strike.