Ukraine conflict: Germany pledges aid as Russian strikes hit Kyiv and Moldova border

The conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate with significant military and humanitarian developments. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv to announce a new support package exceeding one billion euros for Ukraine, including 350 million euros specifically designated for repairing energy infrastructure damaged by Russian strikes.

In recent combat activity, Russian forces targeted the North Bridge in Kyiv, resulting in two injuries. Additionally, Russian strikes near the Palanka border crossing between Ukraine and Moldova struck a passenger bus, causing minor injuries to a Moldovan border guard and damaging a control cabin.

Amidst these developments, former Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov suggested that President Vladimir Putin is unwilling to negotiate an end to the war despite economic difficulties and domestic anxiety. Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defense has signaled an increase in strikes against military targets in Kyiv and other regions following statements from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding potential Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries.