Germany’s Merz arrives in Kyiv as russian strike Hits kyiv bridge
Russian strikes hit Kyiv shortly after Friedrich Merz arrived on an unannounced visit aimed at showing Germany’s continued support for Ukraine.
A Russian drone struck Kyiv’s Northern Bridge shortly after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in the Ukrainian capital to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The unannounced visit came as air raid sirens and explosions were heard across the city,as Germany’s continued support for Ukraine amid renewed Russian attacks.
Merz Arrives Amid Air Raid Sirens
The attack came as Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv for an unannounced visit aimed at demonstrating Germany’s continued support for Ukraine.
Air raid sirens and explosions were heard during his arrival. Merz met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and visited the National Academy of Sciences building, which was damaged in an earlier Russian drone strike.
Merz said he travelled to Kyiv because Ukraine needed Germany’s support in the coming weeks. His delegation included German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and representatives from several German defence and energy companies.
Germany Announces New Aid for Ukraine
During the visit, Germany announced a new support package worth more than €1.3 billion for Ukraine.
The package includes around €1 billion in military assistance, covering weapons and drone-related capabilities, along with about €350 million for repairs and support for Ukraine’s energy sector ahead of the winter months.
Germany and Ukraine are also working to expand cooperation in defence technology, including the joint production of drones and other weapons.
A major focus is the development of anti-jet drones and longer-range weapons. German and Ukrainian companies are expected to work together on systems that could have a range of more than 1,000 kilometres.
Kyiv’s Bridges Have Come Under Repeated Attack
The latest Northern Bridge strike follows several attacks on Kyiv’s bridges earlier in the week.
On October 2, Russian drones repeatedly struck the Southern Bridge, damaging parts of the major Dnipro crossing and disrupting road and metro services.
The attacks forced authorities to restrict movement across several bridges and created long traffic queues as commuters searched for alternative routes.
The repeated attacks have disrupted important transport links across Kyiv, with the bridges connecting the city’s eastern and western sides and supporting daily road and metro traffic.
Wider Russian Attacks Across Ukraine
The bridge strikes have come as Russia continues to carry out drone and missile attacks against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
Kyiv has faced repeated aerial attacks in recent days, with Russian drones targeting infrastructure and other locations across the capital.
The attacks have also raised concerns about Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as winter approaches. German officials said part of the new assistance package would help Ukraine repair energy facilities damaged by Russian strikes.
Russia has said its strikes are retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on targets inside Russia. Moscow has also warned foreign nationals and diplomatic personnel about travelling to Ukraine.
Ukraine Responds
Ukrainian officials have continued calling for stronger international support as Russian attacks intensify.
Zelenskyy has said Ukraine will continue striking Russian military and energy targets while seeking additional air-defence capabilities from its international partners.
The Ukrainian president has also pushed for stronger sanctions against Russia and continued military assistance from European countries.
