Russian Drones Hit Kyiv Bridges for Fourth Day as German Chancellor Makes Surprise Visit

Russian drone strikes targeted major bridges in Kyiv for a fourth consecutive day on Sunday, injuring two people as Moscow ramps up attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure. The latest strike hit the Pivnichnyi (Northern) Bridge for the second day in a row, following earlier multi-drone attacks on the Pivdennyi (Southern) Bridge. Video verified by news sources shows a drone crashing into moving traffic on the Pivnichnyi Bridge and exploding into a ball of fire, leaving a hole in one of the travel lanes.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the roadway damage and injuries on the bridge, while noting that a separate drone attack damaged a heating main, temporarily disrupting hot water service in the north-eastern Desnyanskyi district. While both struck bridges remain standing, severe traffic restrictions across the Dnipro River have created major gridlock for the city's three million residents. Official repair teams are working on the structures, and authorities are planning temporary pontoon bridges, ferry services, and a tunnel under the river to maintain cross-city transport links.

German Chancellor Visits Kyiv, Announces €1.3bn Aid Package

The heightened attacks coincided with an unannounced visit to Kyiv by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Merz laid wreaths for fallen soldiers and reiterated Germany's commitment, noting that Ukraine faces decisive weeks and that German security relies on the war's outcome. Zelensky subsequently announced a new German aid package valued at over €1.3 billion ($1.5 billion), which includes immediate weapons support and assistance for the energy sector ahead of winter. Air alert sirens sounded across the capital while Merz visited the main building of Ukraine's National Academy of Sciences, which was damaged in an earlier strike that killed two people.

Widespread Drone Attacks and Escalating Threats

Across the country, Ukraine's Air Force reported shooting down 125 out of 135 drones launched by Russia overnight, including 52 jet-powered models. Regional strikes were reported elsewhere, including a warehouse attack in the Sumy region that killed one person and a strike on a communications facility in Dnipro that injured six. Russian military officials announced plans to intensify strikes across Ukraine in response to Zelensky's previous comments regarding Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries.

In response to warnings from the Russian foreign ministry advising foreign diplomats and citizens to leave Kyiv, European Union Ambassador Katarína Mathernová and German Ambassador Boris Ruge confirmed that their diplomatic missions intend to remain in the capital. Klitschko characterized the local situation as highly dramatic as Russian forces continue targeting critical infrastructure, logistics, and residential facilities.