A Russian airstrike hits a bridge in Kyiv just as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrives in the Ukrainian capital

A Russian airstrike hit the roadway of Kyiv’s Northern Bridge on Sunday morning, just as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was arriving in Ukraine’s capital. According to Mayor Vitali Klitschko, the bridge had also been targeted on Saturday in a drone attack. No immediate information was provided about any possible casualties or additional damage.

The strike came amid an intensification of Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. During the week, Russia also struck the Southern Bridge, prompting Kyiv’s Defense Council to hold an emergency meeting. Ukrainian authorities say that Moscow is targeting critical infrastructure, logistics and residential areas ahead of the cold season.

Friedrich Merz arrived by train, accompanied by representatives of the German defense industry, and said that Russia must be stopped before its war machine threatens other states as well. The chancellor is expected to announce a €1.35 billion support package: one billion for military assistance and €350 million for repairs in the energy sector.

The visit also includes discussions on joint arms production in Ukraine, the delivery of interceptor drones and the development of weapons with a range of more than 1,000 kilometers. In parallel, Merz will call for reforms to be accelerated and the fight against corruption to be intensified. Kyiv says it will respond to attacks on Russian energy infrastructure by striking the refineries that finance the war.