WorldAl Jazeera

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

German Chancellor Merz visited Kyiv as Russia struck a key bridge there, and Germany announced a $1.1bn military aid package for Ukraine.

German chancellor visits Kyiv amid air raid sirens, pledging strong support as Russian strikes disrupt the capital.

The Long Sip
What happened

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made an unannounced visit to Kyiv, meeting President Zelenskyy while air raid sirens and explosions sounded across the city.

The detail

Russia struck the Northern Bridge over the Dnipro River during the visit, and Germany announced a $1.1bn military aid package plus $394m for Ukraine's energy sector.

What it means

Germany and Ukraine are expected to finalise a joint deal to produce drones and weapons with a range of over 960km, deepening their military cooperation.

For you

Germany is finalising a deal with Ukraine to jointly produce long-range drones and weapons capable of striking more than 960km into Russian territory.

Full story at Al Jazeera

What readers are saying

ChildfreeChloe
The deal to produce drones with 600-mile range is the real substance here - that's not just support, it's shifting Ukraine's capacity to strike deeper into Russia. Combined with Zelenskyy's stated focus on oil refineries, this changes the tactical equation significantly. 🔧
BankstownHassan
Merz's warning that Russia will 'sooner or later turn against us' assumes a linear escalation, but Germany's own energy dependence and NATO membership already make it a strategic target regardless of Ukraine's outcome.
raj_rhodes
Visiting during active air raids sends a message, but the timing feels calculated.
Gordy
If you're in Kyiv and reading about strikes on bridges and water supply damage, check whether your area's infrastructure was hit before assuming your usual services will run normally that day.
CountryXander
The claim that the war machine will inevitably turn against Europe overlooks the logistical reality that Russia's primary objective remains securing its immediate borders rather than a broad continental invasion. The focus on long-range drone production suggests the conflict is actually moving toward a permanent border stalemate rather than an expansionist phase.
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