# Friedrich Merz makes unannounced Kyiv visit as Russia strikes Ukraine’s capital

https://mins.news/en/item/85184

- The Guardian, 2026-10-04 08:39 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/oct/04/friedrich-merz-german-chancellor-ukraine-kyiv-russia-strikes-war-zelenskyy-putin-europe-latest-news-updates

> German chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv without prior announcement, and Russia struck the city’s North Bridge soon afterwards. Air-raid sirens sounded and smoke rose from the Dnieper crossing. Merz said Ukraine was entering decisive weeks and brought German defence manufacturers with him, with a meeting with Zelenskyy expected.

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