Russia strikes Kyiv bridge as German chancellor visits Ukraine in show of support

Russian forces struck a critical bridge in Kyiv on Sunday, hitting the structure just after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in the Ukrainian capital on an unannounced diplomatic visit.

The drone assault targeted the Northern Bridge, a major crossing over the Dnipro River, leaving two people hurt, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Video recorded at the scene showed civilian traffic moving across the roadway seconds before the drone struck and burst into flames. The incident marked the fourth consecutive day in which Russian strikes have focused on the crossings that connect the two halves of the capital.

The strike coincided with Merz’s arrival in Kyiv to reaffirm Germany's commitment to Ukraine during an increasingly difficult phase of the conflict, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Since taking office in May 2025, Merz has overseen an expansion of military aid that elevated Germany to Ukraine's top supplier of defense equipment, overtaking the United States amid declining American contributions.

During his visit, Merz addressed the destruction and warned of broader dangers to European security. He stated that the site demonstrated the futility of the conflict, adding that Ukraine requires comprehensive backing in the coming weeks and warning that an unchecked Russian military would eventually threaten other nations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking alongside Merz, described the relentless attacks as inflicting dreadful conditions on residents and characterized the Russian forces as barbarians.

Kyiv has experienced heavy, repeated assaults using advanced jet-powered drones in recent weeks, placing severe strain on daily routines and raising concerns about potential winter blackouts. While the targeted bridges remain standing, municipal officials have placed restrictions or suspensions on five of the city's six road crossings over the Dnipro, creating significant traffic disruption across the metropolis.

These strikes are part of an expanded Russian effort to hit industrial and transport hubs across Ukraine, including rail lines, logistics centers, data facilities, medical warehouses, and steelworks, alongside continued pressure on the power grid. A day earlier, Russia’s foreign ministry issued a statement urging foreign citizens and diplomatic personnel not to travel to or stay in Ukraine, asserting that visitors bore full responsibility for any risks. Several diplomats, including Germany's ambassador, publicly confirmed they would remain in Kyiv.

The journey marks Merz's second trip to Ukraine as chancellor. His administration has maintained a firm stance against Moscow, recently alleging Russian involvement in a plot targeting Leipzig/Halle airport, an essential node for Western shipments. However, the chancellor is contending with political headwinds in Germany, where shifting public sentiment and electoral gains by opposition groups, including the Alternative for Germany, have fueled domestic criticism over the volume of funds and resources directed abroad.