Merz pledges €1.3 billion in Ukraine aid as Russia strikes Kyiv

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced more than €1.3 billion in military and energy aid during a Kyiv visit, DW and the Associated Press report. Russian strikes again damaged the Northern Bridge, injuring two people according to the mayor. Ukraine says it is ready for US-proposed technical talks with Russia; Moscow’s response and delivery schedules for the aid remain pending.