Merz in Kiev brushes off Russian threats: 'We will not be intimidated'

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Sunday that he would not be intimidated by Russian warnings or a drone attack on Kiev during his visit to the Ukrainian capital.

"We will not be intimidated," Merz said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, noting that he had travelled to Kiev with a large government and business delegation despite the threats.

"Nor will be intimidated by a drone attack taking place at the same time as our visit," he added.

The Russian Foreign Ministry on Saturday told foreigners to leave Kiev ahead of Moscow's attacks. During Merz's visit, a Russian drone struck Kiev's Northern Bridge, around 5 kilometres from where the chancellor was staying.

Merz said he did not know whether Moscow's warnings were directly linked to his visit but that they would not influence his travel plans.

"I make the trips that I deem appropriate," he said.

Merz said he was aware of three drone alerts during his stay but was not taken to a shelter on any occasion.

He said he assumed there was "no personal danger" to either himself or members of his delegation.