Kyiv bridge hit in further Russian drone attack as German chancellor makes surprise visit

A large span in Kyiv has come under Russian fire for the second consecutive day, with the Pivnichnyi (Northern) Bridge struck again on Sunday morning. The hit came just one day after an initial drone attack damaged the bridge’s road surface and disrupted traffic. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the latest strike also damaged a heating main, warning of a temporary hot‑water shortage in the northeastern Desnyanskyi district. Over the past four days, Moscow has intensified its campaign against critical infrastructure in the capital, targeting multiple major bridges. Unverified video footage circulating online shows vehicles on the span as a drone slams into the structure before exploding, sending a burst of flame skyward; a plume of white smoke can be seen rising above the bridge. Klitschko shared the news on Telegram, writing exactly: “Hitting the roadway connected the North Bridge. Emergency services are connected their mode to the scene.” As emergency crews worked the scene, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on a surprise visit. He reaffirmed Berlin’s backing for Kyiv and pledged additional aid to strengthen Ukrainian air defenses. On X he posted: “Ukraine is facing decisive weeks. That is why I travelled to Kyiv today with the message: You can trust us.” He added: “Germany's information also depends connected the result of this war. That is why we are helping out of our own self-interest as well.”