German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kiev on Sunday for an unannounced visit to meet with Ukrainian officials. The trip comes at a time of heightened conflict, as both Kiev and Moscow continue to target key infrastructure with missiles and drones.
Addressing the purpose of his visit, Merz stated, "I travelled to Kiev today because Ukraine needs all our support in the coming weeks. If Russia is not stopped, its war machine will sooner or later turn against us." He added that he intends to reassure the Ukrainian leadership by affirming, "You can continue to count on our help."
Shortly after the Chancellor's arrival, a Russian attack struck a bridge in the city. Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the incident on Telegram, stating, "Impact on the road surface of the Northern Bridge. Emergency services are heading to the scene." The attack followed air raid sirens that had warned of incoming drones.
Merz is accompanied on this visit by Economy Minister Katherina Reiche. He was greeted at the train station by Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga, who noted that discussions with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would cover the full scope of their bilateral, European, and international agendas. President Zelenskyy expressed his commitment to the relationship on X, writing, "Ukraine and Germany have built a strong strategic partnership, and we are determined to deepen it further."
Earlier in the week, Merz emphasized the need for unity within NATO and Germany, particularly in light of the rising influence of the Moscow-friendly Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. This visit occurs despite a warning from the Russian foreign ministry on Saturday, which urged foreigners and diplomats to leave Kiev, citing the threat of "massive" air strikes. The ministry claimed that responsibility for any negative consequences rests with those who ignore the warning. Although Moscow issued a similar advisory in May, leaders from allied nations have continued to visit the city. Mayor Klitschko previously noted on Friday that Kiev, while distant from the front lines, remains in a "very dramatic situation" and should operate on a war footing.
