Russian strikes intensify in Kyiv during German chancellor's visit
Russia increased attacks on Kyiv, hitting bridges and a scientific institute while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was in the city, prompting the Ukrainian president to call the situation dangerous.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on Sunday as Russian forces stepped up air strikes on the capital. The attacks, which included daytime hits on key bridges and a drone strike on the National Academy of Sciences, triggered multiple air-raid alerts and forced the delegation to leave the site, according to a statement from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's office.
The Kremlin had previously reduced or paused attacks during visits by high-level foreign officials, but the recent pattern suggests a new level of escalation. Russia’s defense ministry said the intensified strikes were a response to Ukrainian threats to increase attacks on Russian oil refineries, while Ukraine’s defense ministry reported disabling more than half of Russia’s refining capacity.
Germany, a major supplier of military and financial aid to Ukraine and host to over a million Ukrainian refugees, announced an additional $1.1 billion in military assistance during the visit. The German foreign intelligence chief warned that Germany could become involved in a violent conflict with Russia as Moscow expands its “shadow war” against European democracies.
"We will not be intimidated into abandoning Ukraine; this is a matter of Europe’s security," Merz said, reaffirming Germany’s support.
The heightened attacks have disrupted daily life in Kyiv, with residents seeking shelter repeatedly and transport networks facing paralysis.