Friedrich Merz arrives in Kyiv after Russian warning

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on Sunday on an unannounced visit to show support for Ukraine in its war with Russia, a day after Moscow warned foreigners and diplomats to leave the Ukrainian capital.

“I travelled to Kyiv today because Ukraine needs all our support in the coming weeks,” Merz said in a statement after his arrival. “If Russia is not stopped, its war machine will sooner or later turn against us.”

Government sources said German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche joined Merz on the trip. Merz said he would tell Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky: “You can continue to count on our help.”

Russia’s foreign ministry had warned that “massive” new airstrikes would hit Kyiv and said responsibility for any consequences would rest with those who ignored the warning. Moscow issued a similar warning in May, but leaders from countries supporting Ukraine have continued to visit.

Kyiv has faced airstrikes, and Ukrainian officials have called for more air defence munitions against Russian drone and missile attacks. In recent days, Russia has attacked several bridges across the Dnieper river and energy infrastructure. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Friday that the city was in a “very dramatic situation.”