Russia's war against Ukraine
Merz Makes Surprise Kyiv Visit with €1.3B Aid Package as Russia Strikes City Bridge
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv unannounced on October 4, 2026, with a €1.3 billion aid package as a Russian drone struck the Northern Bridge, wounding two. Ukraine and Germany also signed 15 agreements worth over €8.5 billion — but questions remain about whether the military aid is genuinely new money.