In a significant escalation, Russia has targeted another vital bridge in Kyiv as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited the capital to express solidarity with Ukraine.
A Russian drone struck the prominent Northern Bridge spanning the Dnipro River, marking the fourth day in a row that Russia has aimed at transportation links crucial for thousands of residents commuting between the city’s banks. Footage captured the moment the drone hit the bridge while vehicles were traversing it, resulting in an explosion that injured two individuals, according to Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko.
This attack coincided with Merz’s unexpected visit, which aimed to reinforce Germany’s support for Ukraine as it faces one of the most challenging phases since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Since Merz took office in May 2025, Germany has emerged as Ukraine’s largest military aid contributor, surpassing the United States as American assistance has diminished.
In recent weeks, Kyiv has been subjected to relentless assaults from Russia’s advanced jet-powered drones, significantly disrupting daily life and raising concerns about potential power shortages during the winter months.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy conveyed to Merz the hardships faced by residents in Kyiv, enduring “terrible nights and days” due to the ongoing attacks, labeling Russia’s actions as that of “absolute barbarians.”
“We can observe the utter futility of this conflict from this location,” Merz stated upon his arrival, emphasizing that Ukraine requires unwavering support in the impending weeks. He warned that if Russia is not contained, its military aggression could eventually target other nations.
Kyiv’s Northern Bridge had previously sustained damage from Russian strikes, with the Southern Bridge also repeatedly targeted. Although these structures remain intact, the ongoing threats have led city officials to impose restrictions on traffic across five of the six road bridges spanning the Dnipro, resulting in temporary closures and significant congestion.
These assaults are part of a wider Russian strategy aimed at undermining civilian and industrial infrastructure throughout Ukraine. Recent strikes have also targeted logistics centers, railways, data facilities, medical supply depots, and steel production sites, alongside a persistent campaign against the nation’s energy infrastructure that is forecasted to escalate as winter approaches.
On Saturday, Russia’s foreign ministry cautioned foreign nationals and diplomatic personnel against remaining in or traveling to Ukraine, asserting that those who ignore this advisory would bear full responsibility for any negative outcomes.
Despite the warning, several foreign ambassadors, including Germany’s, expressed their intent to stay in Kyiv via social media.
In Moscow, some pro-war commentators expressed satisfaction that Russian attacks continued even during Merz’s visit. “Russia used to halt strikes on Kyiv when European politicians visited. That is no longer the case,” remarked Sergei Markov, a well-known pro-war figure.
This marks Merz’s second visit to Ukraine as chancellor. He has been a vocal advocate for Kyiv among European leaders and has consistently raised alarms regarding Russia’s hybrid threats to other countries.
Last month, Germany officially accused Moscow of orchestrating a suspected operation aimed at Leipzig/Halle airport, a critical logistics hub for Western military assistance to Ukraine. Nevertheless, Merz faces increasing domestic criticism regarding his support for Ukraine, as his approval ratings decline.
Both the far-left and far-right factions in Germany are expressing skepticism toward continued support for Ukraine, urging a reduction in aid. This pressure has intensified, particularly as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has made substantial electoral advancements.
In a social media statement, AfD co-leader Alice Weidel criticized Merz for traveling to Ukraine on Germany’s national holiday, pledging further billions in taxpayer funding that could otherwise address shortfalls in pension and health insurance, all while Germany grapples with a severe energy crisis.
