Russia strikes Kyiv as Germany’s Merz arrives to show support for Ukraine

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Russian Strikes Hit Kyiv During German Chancellor Visit

   German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit to demonstrate European support as Russian drone strikes and explosions rattled the Ukrainian capital. Fresh air raid sirens sounded shortly after his arrival on Sunday, coinciding with a Russian attack that hit the city's North bridge. During the trip, Ukraine and Germany signed a 1.5 billion dollar agreement aimed at countering the surge in Russian drone assaults. Ukrainian leadership continues to press for long-range Taurus missiles from Berlin amid the escalating aerial campaign.

   Why it matters

   The surprise visit underscores Berlin's diplomatic backing as Moscow intensifies missile and drone strikes targeting critical Ukrainian infrastructure and urban centers. Chancellor Merz's arrival under fire highlights the immediate physical risks faced by visiting foreign dignitaries. The newly finalized defense accord provides tangible resources to help Ukrainian forces intercept incoming aerial threats.

   What is confirmed

   • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on Sunday for an unannounced visit to demonstrate support for Ukraine.
   • Kyiv's North bridge was struck in a Russian attack shortly after the German chancellor's arrival.
   • Ukraine and Germany signed a 1.5 billion dollar deal to help fight the surge in Russian drone attacks.
   • Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the bridge attack.

   Still unconfirmed

   • President Volodymyr Zelensky still holds hope for receiving Taurus missiles from Germany.

   What to watch next

   • Whether Germany agrees to supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine
   • Assessment of damage to Kyiv's North bridge following the strike
   • Implementation timeline and specifics for the new 1.5 billion dollar defense deal
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. Reuters — Germany's Merz arrives in Kyiv to the sound of sirens and explosions
   2. www.france24.com — Live: New Russian strikes hit Kyiv bridge as Germany's Merz visits
   3. Al Jazeera — Russia hits Kyiv bridge as Germany’s Merz visits Ukraine’s capital
   4. Financial Times — Russia strikes Kyiv as Germany’s Merz arrives to show support for Ukraine
   5. www.straitstimes.com — Russia strikes hit Kyiv as Germany’s Merz visits
   6. Yahoo — 'Never give up': Zelensky still hopes for Taurus missiles from Germany
   7. AP News — Germany’s Merz announces new aid for Ukraine in Kyiv as Russia steps up attacks
   8. www.cp24.com — Ukraine news: Germany's Merz in Kyiv as Russia steps up attacks
   9. www.nine.com.au — Russia Ukraine war: Drone strikes Kyiv bridge as German leader visits city
   10. www.rfi.fr — Russia strikes hit Kyiv as Germany's Merz visits - RFI
   11. www.theguardian.com — Russia strikes Kyiv bridge as German chancellor visits Ukraine in show of support
   12. jen.jiji.com — Farewell to Jeffrey Archer, the British writer with over 300 million copies sold: he was 86, his life between politics and scandals (2)
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