Russia pounds Kyiv during German chancellor’s visit in a new escalation

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Russia Pounds Kyiv as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Visits

   German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced solidarity visit on Sunday as Russian forces pounded the Ukrainian capital with air raids and explosions. Meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Merz pledged a new military aid package worth €1bn, or $1.1B, which includes tens of thousands of interceptor drones. A Russian drone struck Kyiv's Northern Bridge over the Dnipro river during the visit, triggering a fiery explosion. Merz stated that his trip demonstrates that Germany will not be intimidated by the escalating attacks.

   Why it matters

   The visit underscores Germany's continued backing for Ukraine amid an intensified campaign of Russian strikes on urban centers. Friedrich Merz traveled to the capital to meet Ukrainian leadership while air raid sirens blared across the city. Kyiv has faced heightened aerial assaults as the conflict continues.

   What is confirmed

   • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit on Sunday.
   • Air raid sirens and explosions rang out in Kyiv during the German chancellor's visit.
   • Friedrich Merz pledged €1bn, or $1.1B, in military aid to Ukraine.
   • The new German military aid package includes tens of thousands of interceptor drones.
   • A Russian drone struck Kyiv's Northern Bridge over the Dnipro river.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly preparing a mass military mobilization.

   What to watch next

   • Implementation and delivery of the newly pledged €1bn military aid package and interceptor drones to Ukraine
   • Further responses from German and European officials to the escalating strikes on Kyiv
   Sources used for this update (23)

   1. www.gulf-times.com — tag - Gulf Times
   2. Reuters — Germany's Merz arrives in Kyiv to the sound of sirens and explosions
   3. Bloomberg.com — Germany’s Merz Arrives in Kyiv, Warns of Putin’s Threat to West
   4. dw.com — Merz pledges military and financial aid on visit to Ukraine
   5. abcnews.com — Germany's Merz visits Kyiv as Russia steps up attacks on ...
   6. www.nbcnews.com — Germany’s Friedrich Merz arrives in Kyiv to the sound of ...
   7. AP News — Germany’s Merz announces new aid for Ukraine in Kyiv as Russia steps up attacks
   8. The Guardian — Ukraine war briefing: Germany’s Merz pledges €1bn in military aid to Kyiv as Russia ramps up attacks
   9. www.timesnownews.com — Russian Drone Hits Kyiv Bridge, Air Raid Sirens Blare During German Chancellor's Visit | WATCH VIDEOS
   10. www.theguardian.com — Russia strikes Kyiv bridge as German chancellor visits Ukraine in show of support
   11. Euronews.com — Merz and Mathernová send a message to Moscow from Kyiv
   12. Euronews.com — Europe Today: Russia hits Kyiv as Merz visits; Bolsonaro wins Brazil's first round election
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