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BERLIN, Germany: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Ukraine\u2019s capital Kyiv on Sunday on an unannounced visit in a show of support for the country in its war with Russia.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cI travelled to Kyiv today because Ukraine needs all our support in the coming weeks,\u201d Merz said in a statement issued after his arrival. \u201cIf Russia is not stopped, its war machine will sooner or later turn against us.\u201d<\/p>\n Merz, whose country is among Ukraine\u2019s largest supporters, has been joined on the trip by Economy Minister Katherina Reiche, according to government sources.<\/p>\n \u201cToday, I will tell President [Volodymyr] Zelensky: \u2018You can continue to count on our help,’\u201d Merz said in the statement, which also touted cooperation between German and Ukrainian companies.<\/p>\n The German chancellor\u2019s visit comes just a day after Russia warned foreigners and diplomats to leave the Ukrainian capital, saying that \u201cmassive\u201d new airstrikes would hit the city.<\/p>\n The Russian foreign ministry declared in a statement that \u201cresponsibility for any potential negative consequences rests entirely with those who ignore this warning\u201d.<\/p>\n Moscow had issued a similar warning in May, but leaders from countries supporting Ukraine have defied the Russian warnings and continued to make visits.<\/p>\n Kyiv has faced heavy airstrikes, with Ukrainian officials issuing pleas for additional air defence munitions to counter Russian drone and missile attacks.<\/p>\n In recent days, Russia has attacked several bridges across the Dnieper river as well as energy infrastructure, and the city\u2019s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, on Friday said that Kyiv was in a \u201cvery dramatic situation\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n