Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to Kyiv, saying it was an attempt to gain political publicity.

Axar.az reports that, in an interview with KP political commentator Alexander Gamov about what Merz was seeking in Kyiv, Zakharova replied: “Killers return to the scene of the crime.”

Gamov suggested that the visit could be aimed at improving Merz’s declining political image following a series of election setbacks and disputes within Germany’s governing coalition, or that he had been sent by Brussels amid concerns about his political future.

“Absolutely. Public relations on blood,” Zakharova responded.

Merz and German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit on Sunday, October 4.