Germany’s Merz Visits Ukraine Amid Escalating Russian Strikes

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on Sunday to reaffirm Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine amid a surge in Russian attacks on the country’s cities. The visit comes as Moscow escalates its aerial campaign, launching hard-to-intercept ballistic missiles and drone strikes on Ukrainian urban centers. Kyiv, in turn, has intensified its counterstrikes against Russia’s oil infrastructure and businesses.

Germany’s Pledge of Solidarity

Merz, on his second official visit as chancellor, emphasized Germany’s solidarity with Ukraine, stating that the partnership is a two-way street. He highlighted joint technological developments between German and Ukrainian companies, which he said strengthen both nations’ security. Germany has been Ukraine’s largest donor since the war began, providing over EUR43.3 billion in aid, along with military equipment and weapons.

“If Russia is not stopped, its war machine will sooner or later turn against us,” Merz said in a statement. He assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Germany’s continued support, adding that “you can continue to count on our help.”

Zelenskyy Commends Partnership

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Germany’s support, noting that the visit would result in “important agreements” to bolster Ukraine’s defenses and European security. “Russia must be stopped together,” he wrote on X. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha added that the agenda would focus on “strengthening Ukraine, our defense and resilience, and our shared European security.”

During the visit, Merz and Zelenskyy visited a damaged building of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, which was struck by Russian missiles on Monday. Merz condemned the attacks as “daily war crimes” and called on Putin to end the “senseless war.” Zelenskyy called the attack on the academy “absolutely terrible,” noting that Russia continued its strikes even while Merz was in Kyiv.

Russian Threats and Escalation

Russia’s Foreign Ministry warned of “mass retaliatory strikes” on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, urging foreign nationals and diplomats to leave. The attacks have disrupted daily life in Kyiv, with three of the city’s six bridges over the Dnipro River closed due to Russian strikes. The latest attack targeted the Northern Bridge, where a drone strike caused an explosion, though no casualties were immediately reported.

Meanwhile, tensions between Germany and Russia have worsened, following an alleged Russian drone attack on Leipzig airport. Germany has blamed Russia for the incident and closed its consulate in St. Petersburg. Merz’s political standing in Germany has also been affected by recent election losses to the anti-migration Alternative for Germany party, though he has vowed to remain chancellor.

As the war enters its fifth year, with no signs of a peace deal, both sides continue to face mounting challenges. The conflict remains a focal point of international diplomacy and military strategy.

Source: Breitbart

Written by

claire.thomson