Kyiv Bridge Hit in Russian Drone Attack as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Visits Ukraine
A major bridge in Kyiv was hit by a Russian drone attack on Sunday, October 4, as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made an unannounced visit to the Ukrainian capital.
The strike targeted the Northern Bridge over the Dnipro River. It came shortly after Merz arrived in Kyiv to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and reaffirm Germany’s support for Ukraine.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the attack damaged the road surface of the bridge. Later, he said two people were injured and that a hot water supply system in the area was also damaged.
Russian Drone Hits Kyiv Bridge
The Northern Bridge is one of several major crossings over the Dnipro River in Kyiv.
The bridge connects parts of the capital and is used by thousands of residents every day. The latest attack caused further disruption to transportation across the city.
Video footage circulating online appeared to show a drone striking the bridge while vehicles were moving across it. The explosion sent smoke and flames into the air.
Russia’s Defence Ministry said the bridge was being used to transport troops and military cargo. Moscow has repeatedly said that its strikes target military or strategically important infrastructure. Reuters said claims from both sides could not be independently verified.
Attack Comes During Merz’s Surprise Visit
The bridge strike happened as Friedrich Merz was visiting Kyiv.
The German chancellor arrived by train early Sunday in an unannounced trip designed to demonstrate Germany’s continued support for Ukraine.
Merz said Ukraine was entering a decisive period and that Germany would continue to stand with the country. He also warned that Germany’s own security was connected to the outcome of the war.
The visit took place under heightened security as air-raid sirens sounded across Kyiv.
Merz was accompanied by German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and business representatives. He met with Zelenskyy to discuss defence, security and economic cooperation.
Germany Announces New Aid Package
During the visit, Merz announced additional assistance for Ukraine worth more than €1.3 billion, or about $1.5 billion.
Around €1 billion of the package is military assistance. It includes long-range weapons, combat drones and satellite technology.
Germany will also provide about €350 million for energy infrastructure. The funding is intended to support repairs and help Ukraine prepare for the coming winter.
Merz said Germany would also support the development and production of drones designed to intercept Russia’s increasingly common jet-powered attack drones.
Kyiv Bridges Face Repeated Attacks
The Northern Bridge has been targeted after several recent attacks on other crossings in Kyiv.
Russian drones struck the Southern Bridge on Friday and Saturday. The attacks caused damage and contributed to major traffic problems.
Earlier strikes forced the full or partial closure of several of Kyiv’s road bridges over the Dnipro River.
The repeated attacks have made it harder for residents to move between the two sides of the capital. Traffic congestion has increased as commuters look for alternative routes.
The attacks have also raised concerns about the wider security of Kyiv’s transport infrastructure.
Russia Intensifies Attacks on Ukraine
The latest bridge strike is part of a wider increase in Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Russian forces have increasingly used drones and missiles against infrastructure, including energy, transport and communications facilities.
Ukrainian officials have expressed concern about the use of faster, jet-powered drones, which can be harder for air defences to intercept.
Zelenskyy has called for greater international support for Ukraine’s air-defence capabilities as winter approaches.
Russia, meanwhile, has warned that it will continue what it describes as retaliatory strikes against Ukraine.
Merz Reaffirms Support for Ukraine
Despite the attack, Merz continued his visit and held talks with Zelenskyy.
The two leaders also announced agreements covering security cooperation, weapons production and defence technology.
Germany has become one of Ukraine’s largest military supporters since Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The latest visit highlights Berlin’s continued commitment to Kyiv at a time when Russian attacks are increasing.
For residents of Kyiv, however, the latest strike is another reminder of the continuing danger posed by the war.
The damage to the Northern Bridge is being assessed, while authorities continue working to restore transportation and protect critical infrastructure across the capital.
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