Kyiv Bridge Hit Again as German Chancellor Visits

A major bridge in Kyiv has been targeted by Russian strikes for the second day in a row, an incident that occurred as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made a surprise visit to the city. The Pivnichnyi (Northern) Bridge was hit on Sunday morning, a day after it was first struck by drones, which damaged the road surface and caused traffic disruptions.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated that Sunday's strike also damaged a heating main, leading to a temporary loss of hot water in the north-eastern Desnyanskyi district. Major bridges in Kyiv have been targeted in attacks over the past four days as Moscow intensifies its strikes on critical infrastructure in the capital.

Unverified video footage of Sunday's strike shows vehicles crossing the bridge when a drone impacts it, resulting in an explosion and a large fireball. A plume of black smoke rose above the bridge. Klitschko reported the incident on Telegram, confirming that emergency services were dispatched to the scene.

During his visit, Merz reaffirmed Germany's commitment to Ukraine, pledging further assistance to bolster Ukrainian air defenses. He stated on X that Ukraine is facing decisive weeks and that Germany's security is linked to the outcome of the war, indicating that Germany is providing aid out of self-interest as well.