Kyiv's Northern Bridge Hit Again by Russian Drones During German Chancellor's Visit
Russia targeted Kyiv's strategic Northern Bridge for the second consecutive day with drone strikes, coinciding with a surprise visit by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to the Ukrainian capital.
Russia has targeted Kyiv's strategic Northern Bridge (Pivnichnyi Bridge) with drone strikes for the second day in a row. This escalation occurred during a surprise visit by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to Kyiv, where he reiterated Germany's support for Ukraine.
Highlights
- The Northern Bridge was struck on Sunday morning, following an initial drone attack on Saturday.
- Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that Sunday's strike also damaged a heating main, causing a temporary lack of hot water in the north-eastern Desnyanskyi district.
- These attacks are part of an intensified Russian campaign against critical infrastructure targets in Kyiv.
- German Chancellor Merz reaffirmed his country's commitment to Ukraine and pledged further assistance to bolster Ukrainian air defenses.
Details
The Northern Bridge, spanning the Dnipro River in Kyiv, is a vital link connecting the capital's western and eastern parts. Russia claims its drones struck these bridges, which it alleges are used for transferring Ukrainian troops and military cargo. Unverified video footage of Sunday's strike shows a drone hitting the bridge while cars were moving, resulting in a large explosion and fireball.
Mayor Klitschko stated that the initial attack on Saturday injured two people and caused damage to the road surface and overhead trolleybus wires. Experts suggest that while drone attacks are unlikely to collapse the bridges, repeated strikes could force their closure and risk weakening their structure, rendering them unusable.
Why it matters
These attacks underscore Russia's escalating pressure on Ukraine's critical infrastructure. Targeting bridges aims to disrupt Kyiv's logistical and transportation networks, while also imposing hardship on the civilian population. The timing of the attack during the German Chancellor's visit highlights the ongoing need for international support and the urgency of strengthening Ukraine's air defense capabilities.