Russian strike damages Kyiv bridge during Merz visit

A Russian strike damaged a bridge in Kyiv shortly after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in the Ukrainian capital on a surprise visit intended to demonstrate European support for Ukraine. Air raid sirens sounded soon after Merz’s arrival, with authorities warning of approaching Russian drones. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko later said the attack damaged the road surface of the Northern Bridge, one of several crossings over the Dnipro River linking the city’s eastern and western areas.

Images posted on messaging channels appeared to show a missile hitting the structure and producing a fireball. The material did not report casualties from the bridge strike. Klitschko has said Kyiv should be placed on a war footing following an increase in attacks.

Residential areas, petrol stations, schools, rail facilities and communications infrastructure have been hit in what was described as a round-the-clock assault. Merz said Ukraine needed European support in the coming weeks and warned that Russia’s war machine could eventually threaten other countries if it was not stopped. He was due to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky.

German government sources said the two leaders were expected to agree a military-support package worth more than US$1 billion. The reported package includes combat drones and satellite technology to help Ukraine target Russian launch sites, as well as cooperation on producing anti-jet drones. Germany was also expected to announce about €350 million for generators, transformer stations and repairs to Ukraine’s electricity grid.

Russia has acknowledged deliberately targeting the energy sector as winter approaches, raising concerns about power and heating supplies. The visit followed a Russian warning advising foreigners and diplomats to leave Kyiv ahead of possible “massive” air strikes. The European Union delegation said it would remain in the city and that threats would not halt European support for Ukraine.