Russia hits Kyiv bridge as Germany’s Merz visits Ukraine’s capital

Putin accuses Europe of escalating tensions over Russia’s war on Ukraine Russia has struck a key bridge in Kyiv just as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in the Ukrainian capital to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The unannounced visit, marked by the sound of air sirens and explosions, came on Sunday to underscore Germany’s support for the nation at a time when Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities are increasing. In a written statement, Merz said he “travelled to Kyiv today because Ukraine needs all our support in the coming weeks”. “If Russia is not stopped, its war machine will sooner or later turn against us,” he said. Merz and Zelenskyy met at the National Academy of Sciences, which was struck by a Russian drone on September 28.