German Chancellor Visits Kyiv Amid Intensified Attacks

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – Friedrich Merz, the German Chancellor, made a visit to Kyiv on Sunday to show support as Russia intensified its military actions against Ukrainian cities.

Russia has ramped up its aerial offensive, launching hard-to-intercept ballistic missiles and drones at various locations throughout Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukraine has been targeting Russia’s oil infrastructure and businesses in response.

This was Merz’s second trip to the Ukrainian capital since taking office. He emphasized Germany’s commitment to Ukraine, mentioning that Germany has been the largest donor to Ukraine, providing more than EUR43.3 billion (about $48.8 billion) since the conflict began, in addition to military equipment and weapons.

He remarked that if Russia is not confronted, its aggression could ultimately threaten other nations as well. Merz reassured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stating, “You can continue to count on our help.”

Additionally, he highlighted that the relationship between Germany and Ukraine is mutually beneficial, with companies from both countries collaborating on technology development. “This makes us safer and stronger,” he noted.

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude towards Germany in a post on X, indicating that the two nations would reach significant agreements during the visit that would enhance Ukraine’s defenses and contribute to broader European security. He stressed, “Russia must be stopped together.”

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha mentioned that discussions would focus on bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities as well as collective European security.

During his visit, Merz and Zelenskyy toured a damaged building of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in central Kyiv, which had been struck in a recent Russian attack. As air raid sirens blared, Merz condemned the “barbaric attacks on the civilian population,” which he characterized as daily war crimes. He urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt the “senseless war,” stating that Germany was open to dialogue.

In English, Zelenskyy decried the attack on the academy as “absolutely terrible” and pointed out that Russia was continuing its strikes while Merz was present. He expressed appreciation for the chancellor’s visit, emphasizing that Ukraine is supported by “strong partners.”

On Saturday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry declared it would persist with “mass retaliatory strikes” on Ukrainian cities, advising foreign citizens and diplomats to leave. They had issued similar warnings previously.

Last month, the German and Russian foreign ministers met at the U.N. General Assembly, marking their first face-to-face encounter since Russia’s full-scale attack on Ukraine in 2022. Russia’s Sergey Lavrov dismissed German calls for de-escalation, accusing Germany of being Ukraine’s main supporter and seeking to dominate militarily in Europe.

The relationship between Russia and Germany has further deteriorated in recent weeks, particularly following an alleged drone attack at Leipzig airport. Germany attributed blame to Russia and announced the closure of its consulate in St. Petersburg amid escalating tensions.

Merz’s political standing in Germany faced challenges after a series of defeats in state elections, notably against the anti-immigration and pro-Russian Alternative for Germany party. Nonetheless, he plans to maintain his position as chancellor.

On Sunday, Russian assaults continued, with a drone reportedly targeting Kyiv’s Northern Bridge over the Dnipro River. Zelenskyy noted that video footage captured the drone hitting the bridge during vehicle traffic, though there were no immediate reports on casualties.

This latest strike followed earlier Russian attacks that had resulted in the full or partial closure of three of Kyiv’s six road bridges across the Dnipro River, leading to significant traffic disruptions. Previous Russian strikes have also targeted residential areas, warehouses, and other civilian infrastructure.

Meanwhile, local officials reported that a Russian aerial bomb attack in the Ukrainian city of Sumy injured seven people on Sunday.

Since Russia’s invasion began over four and a half years ago, prospects for a peace agreement remain elusive. The fighting along the lengthy front line across northern, eastern, and southern Ukraine has largely stagnated in recent months.