Merz Arrives in Kyiv Amid Air Raids, Pledging €1 Billion in Military Aid

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on Sunday to the sound of air raid sirens and explosions, showing support for President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as Russian strikes intensify. Four alerts rang out in the capital that morning. One strike hit the Northern Bridge over the Dnipro River, damaging its roadway and a hot water supply system, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Russia has targeted Kyiv’s bridges since last week to cut links between the city’s two banks and disrupt logistics routes. Merz said Ukraine needs full backing in the coming weeks and warned that if Russia is not stopped, its war machine will eventually turn against Europe.

€1 Billion Aid Package and Drone Production Deal

Merz will announce €1 billion in military aid and €350 million for energy sector repairs. A deal on joint drone, missile and software production is also due to be finalized, focused on anti-jet drones tested by German firm Quantum. The agreement also covers jointly developed weapons with a range of over 1,000 km. He travels with Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and executives from Siemens Energy, Hensoldt, Diehl Defence and Quantum Systems.

Pressure on Ukraine Over EU-Backed Reforms

Merz is expected to press Kyiv for progress on reforms requested by EU partners, including anti-corruption measures. Moscow says its strikes are retaliation and has warned foreign nationals to avoid Ukraine.