Russia hits Kyiv bridge as Germany’s Merz visits Ukraine’s capital | Russia-Ukraine war News
German Chancellor Visits Kyiv Amid Increased Russian Strikes
Kyiv, Ukraine — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on Sunday, October 4, as the Ukrainian capital faced new Russian assaults, including an airstrike on a key bridge. Merz’s visit, which was unannounced, came amidst ongoing air raid sirens and explosions, emphasizing Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine amid escalating tensions.
In a written statement, Merz expressed, “I traveled to Kyiv today because Ukraine needs all our support in the coming weeks,” adding a stark warning that if Russia’s aggression is not halted, “its war machine will sooner or later turn against us.”
During his visit, Merz met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the National Academy of Sciences, which was targeted by a Russian drone on September 28. Zelenskyy emphasized the difficulties faced by Kyiv residents, stating they endure “terrible nights and days” due to the sustained Russian attacks.
Accompanying Merz were Germany’s Economy Minister and executives from major German companies, including Siemens Energy and Diehl Defence. The visit seeks to bolster military cooperation between Ukraine and Germany, with plans to finalize a deal to produce drones and other weaponry capable of striking targets more than 600 miles (965.6 kilometers) away.
Germany has demonstrated continued support for Ukraine, having signed a military pact worth over $4 billion in April. A military aid package of $1.1 billion is anticipated to be announced alongside an additional $394 million allocated for repairs to Ukraine’s damaged energy infrastructure.
Merz’s visit follows a warning from Russia for foreign diplomats and nationals to evacuate Kyiv to avoid potential harm. The Russian Ministry of Defence has vowed to escalate attacks on Ukraine, particularly in response to Zelenskyy’s statements regarding intensified targeting of Russian oil refineries after civilian casualties occurred over the weekend.
The recent strike on the Northern Bridge over the Dnipro River caused significant damage to both the roadway and the area’s hot water supply, as reported by Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. This incident marks the second bridge hit in Kyiv within the same weekend.
As the conflict continues into its fifth year, both Ukraine and Russia have intensified drone and missile strikes targeting critical infrastructure and military sites.
