{"id":"fa201336-682e-40be-a3b8-b454f3671d1c","url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/friedrich-merz-russia-kyiv-foreign-ministry-germany-b3060988.html","domain":"independent.co.uk","outlet":{"name":"The Independent","country":"GB","cred":3,"lean":-1,"curated":true},"title":"Germany's Merz visits Kyiv as Russia steps up attacks on Ukrainian cities","plainHeadline":"Germany’s Merz visits Kyiv as Russia intensifies attacks on Ukrainian cities","rewrite":{"model":null,"at":null},"summary":["German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv to show support amid intensified Russian attacks.","Russia uses ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones against Ukrainian cities.","Kyiv and Ukrainian officials discuss strengthening Ukraine, defense and European security.","Russia threatens more mass strikes and urges foreigners to leave Ukraine.","Front line fighting across roughly 1,250 kilometers remains largely deadlocked."],"topics":["Politics","Cybersecurity"],"lang":"eng","publishedAt":"2026-10-04T07:42:35.000Z","ingestedAt":"2026-10-04T07:57:08.710Z","story":"https://brief.concise.news/story/d4fda7db-76c8-4fa0-9e74-11592d0acd66","storyId":"d4fda7db-76c8-4fa0-9e74-11592d0acd66","image":"https://static.independent.co.uk/2026/10/04/08/Germany_Netherlands_NATO_78951.jpg?width=1200&auto=webp&crop=3%3A2","author":"Via AP news wire","dek":"German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has arrived in Kyiv to show support as Russia intensifies attacks on Ukrainian cities"}