Russia threatens to intensify its strikes on Ukraine and a surprise visit by the German Chancellor to Kyiv

Russia announced on Sunday that it would intensify its strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, in response to statements by President Volodymyr Zelensky in which he vowed to increase Kiev's attacks on Russian oil refineries.

The Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement: “Following the statements made by Zelensky, strikes by the Russian Armed Forces on military and industrial facilities, as well as on associated infrastructure, in Kiev and other regions of Ukraine will be intensified,” according to what Agence France-Presse reported.

Zelensky said in an interview with Reuters, published yesterday (Saturday), that Ukraine will intensify its attacks on Russian oil refineries, in response to what it described as a new policy pursued by Moscow based on launching air strikes aimed at forcing residents to leave Kiev and other cities, but he stressed that Ukraine will not target civilians.

Russia has recently escalated its attacks on infrastructure in the Ukrainian capital, including targeting bridges built over the Dnipro River. The escalating campaign led to severe disruption in the lives of about three million residents of the capital before the arrival of the harsh winter months.

The Russian Ministry of Defense said that its most recent strikes on Kiev and other Ukrainian regions came in response to what it described as attacks launched by Kiev on civilian targets inside Russia. Russia and Ukraine deny targeting civilians.

A bridge over the Dnieper River in Kiev was attacked by a drone on Sunday, according to the city's mayor, shortly after the German Chancellor arrived in the Ukrainian capital on a previously unannounced visit.

Vitali Klitschko said in a post on the Telegram application that an object collided with “the roof of the North Bridge.” Emergency services went to the scene.” Shortly before that, sirens sounded warning of drones approaching the city, according to what was reported by Agence France-Presse.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kiev earlier today, accompanied by CEOs of German defense companies, in a gesture of support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with the escalation of Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities.

German government officials said that Meretz will announce a package of measures that includes providing one billion euros in military aid and 350 million euros for reforms in the energy sector. The visit is also expected to finalize an agreement for the joint production of different types of drones.

Mertz said: “I traveled to Kiev today because Ukraine needs all our support in the coming weeks,” noting that Russian forces are bombing towns, residential buildings, and heating plants. He added: “If Russia is not stopped, its war machine will turn against us sooner or later,” according to Reuters.

He continued: “I will tell President Zelensky today: You can continue to count on our help.”