German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on Sunday for an unannounced visit, reaffirming Berlin’s backing for Ukraine as Russia intensified strikes on the capital.

Merz travelled by train with Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and executives from German defence and energy firms. “I travelled to Kyiv today because Ukraine needs all our support in the coming weeks,” he said in a statement. “If Russia is not stopped, its war machine will sooner or later turn against us.”

He met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Maidan war memorial, where the two leaders laid tributes to fallen soldiers. Merz told Zelenskyy that Ukraine could “continue to count on our help”.

Government sources cited by dpa said Merz pledged about 1 billion euros in military aid plus 350 million euros for energy infrastructure repairs, alongside plans for joint production of interceptor drones.

The visit came a day after Russia warned foreigners and diplomats to leave Kyiv, citing planned “massive” strikes. Soon after Merz arrived, a Russian strike hit the city’s North Bridge, Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed on Telegram. No casualties were immediately reported.