In brief
Russia’s drones have struck Kyiv’s Pivnichnyi Bridge for the second consecutive day, a fourth straight day of attacks on the city’s critical infrastructure. Earlier in the week the Pivdennyi Bridge also suffered multiple strikes, prompting the city to consider temporary crossings and a possible tunnel. The latest drone hit came as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv with an unprecedented visit, laying wreaths for fallen soldiers and announcing a new aid package of over €1.3 bn. Ukrainian officials say the bridges remain standing but damage they pose serious traffic and logistic challenges. The strike and the chancellor’s visit underscore growing international pressure on Moscow as Kyiv continues to defend its transport arteries.
Russia’s drones have struck Kyiv’s Pivnichnyi Bridge for the second day in a row, a fourth consecutive day of attacks on the capital’s vital infrastructure.
The earlier assault on the Pivdennyi Bridge earlier this week forced Kyiv to consider temporary rope‑bridges, ferries and even a tunnel to keep traffic flowing across the Dnipro.
The latest strike came as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made a surprise visit to Kyiv, arriving to lay wreaths for fallen Ukrainian soldiers and to announce a new aid package of more than €1.3 bn.
"Ukraine is facing decisive weeks," Merz said on X, stressing Germany’s commitment to support the nation on the frontline. Zelensky later confirmed the aid package would fund weapons and energy‑sector upgrades.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said two people were injured when the drone exploded, creating a gaping hole in the bridge’s traffic lane. Repairs are underway, but traffic snarls and commuter delays continue as officials warn the bridges could close if attacks recur.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials report that 135 drones were launched overnight, with 125 shot down, as Russian forces pledge to intensify strikes across the country.
The combined pressure on Ukraine’s infrastructure and the unanticipated German chancellor’s support signal a new phase of the conflict, with international aid now cited as pivotal to Ukraine’s defense strategy.
