Russian strikes hit Kyiv while Germany’s Merz visits

ROUND-THE-CLOCK ATTACKS

Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko has said the capital — largely spared from the devastation wrought near the front line in more than four years of conflict — should now be on a war footing.

Round-the-clock attacks have hit residential areas, petrol stations, schools, rail and communications infrastructure, while the near-constant air raid sirens disrupt daily life and put people on edge.

As he arrived, Merz said that support for Ukraine was vital for European security.

“If Russia is not stopped, its war machine will sooner or later turn against us,” he claimed.

Ukraine has repeatedly called for advanced interceptors to shoot down Russia’s new fast-moving, jet-powered drones and powerful ballistic missiles.

The latest deal provides for the joint production of anti-jet drones, Merz told a joint news conference with Zelenskyy.

“Significant technical breakthroughs have already been achieved in this area in recent weeks,” he added.

“Production is now being ramped up. This strengthens Ukrainian air defence quickly and significantly.

“We are supplying standoff weapons, combat drones and satellite technology so that Ukraine can also target Russian launch sites.”