German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit on 4 October as Russia struck the city's North Bridge, pledging that Ukraine can rely on Germany during what he called 'decisive weeks'.
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Key facts
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit on 4 October.
- Russia struck the city's North Bridge shortly after his arrival, about a 20-minute drive from the central railway station.
- Merz brought several German defence manufacturers and was expected to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- Russian drones struck another bridge the previous day, causing injuries.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, one of Ukraine’s strongest European backers, arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit on the morning of 4 October, according to the Guardian’s Europe live blog.
Soon after his arrival, Russian forces struck the city’s North Bridge, located about a 20-minute drive from the central railway station where Merz had pulled in. Sirens rang out across the city and smoke could be seen rising from the Dnieper River bridge, the Guardian reported.
The strike came a day after Russian drones hit another bridge in the capital, causing injuries. According to the Guardian, the Kremlin has stepped up attacks on Kyiv this year, and Ukrainians say they are bracing for another autumn blitz ahead of a difficult winter.
Writing on X, Merz said: “Ukraine is facing decisive weeks. That is why I travelled to Kyiv today with the message: you can rely on us.”
The chancellor brought several German defence manufacturers with him and was expected to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the visit, the Guardian said.
Al Jazeera reported that Merz’s visit took place amid air raid sirens, with the chancellor pledging strong support as Russian strikes disrupted the capital.
Why it matters
Germany is among Ukraine's most significant European supporters, and a visit by its chancellor signals continued political and military backing as Russia intensifies attacks on Kyiv. The timing, during active strikes on the capital, underscores the risks facing both Ukrainian civilians and visiting leaders ahead of a hard winter.
Timeline
- Russia hits Kyiv bridge as Germany’s Merz visits Ukraine’s capital
Al Jazeera: German chancellor visits Kyiv amid air raid sirens, pledging strong support as Russian strikes disrupt the capital.
- Friedrich Merz begins unannounced Kyiv visit as Russia continues strikes on Ukraine’s capital – Europe live
The Guardian World: Moscow struck city’s North Bridge this morning, around 20-minutes drive away from the station where the German chancellor arrived Good morning and welcome to our Europe live blog, I’m Frances Mao. We begin in Kyiv where one of Ukraine’s strongest European backers, the German chan