Merz: Ukraine needs all of Germany's support

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv unannounced on Sunday in a show of support for President Volodymyr Zelensky amid escalating Russian attacks on Ukraine. In a statement issued after his arrival, he said he had made the trip because Ukraine needs all of Germany's support in the coming weeks.

The chancellor warned that Russia's war machine will sooner or later turn against Germany unless Russia is stopped, and said he would tell Zelensky he can continue to count on German help. Germany is among Ukraine's largest supporters. Earlier in the same week, Merz had called for unity within NATO, Europe and his own country, where the far-right and Moscow-friendly AfD opposition is on the rise.

Economy minister joins, and Sybiga meets the train

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga met Merz off the train when he arrived. According to government sources, German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche joined the trip.

On X, Sybiga wrote: "Ukraine and Germany have built a strong strategic partnership, and we are determined to deepen it further". Merz's arrival statement also highlighted cooperation between German and Ukrainian companies. Sybiga said Merz would hold talks with Zelensky covering all matters of the bilateral, European and international agenda.

Kyiv under mounting attack ahead of winter

The visit lands in a capital under mounting pressure. Kyiv faces increasing Russian missile and drone attacks targeting key infrastructure, including the energy sector vital for power and heating as winter approaches. The city has repeatedly pleaded for additional air defence munitions to counter the drone and missile attacks.

• •Russia has attacked several bridges across the Dnipro river, which divides Kyiv, causing traffic gridlock and transport disruption.
• •Another strike on a Kyiv bridge has deepened travel chaos in the capital.

Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Friday that the city, far from the front line, was in a "very dramatic situation" and should now be on a war footing.

Russia's warning to diplomats, and the visitors who defy it

On Saturday, Russia warned foreigners and diplomats to leave Kyiv, saying massive new airstrikes would hit the city. Russia's foreign ministry said responsibility for any potential negative consequences rests entirely with those who ignore the warning. Moscow had issued a similar warning in May. Leaders of countries supporting Ukraine have defied the warnings and continued to make visits to Kyiv.