Kyiv bridge hit in further drone attack as German chancellor makes surprise visit

What the report says

A major bridge in Kyiv was hit again in a drone attack on Sunday, the second consecutive day that the Pivnichnyi, or Northern, Bridge was targeted, according to BBC World News. The strike happened while vehicles were crossing the bridge, and unverified video footage published with the report appeared to show a drone hitting the roadway and exploding. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the attack also damaged a heating main, which could lead to a temporary loss of hot water in part of the Desnyanskyi district.

BBC World News reported that the bridge had first been struck on Saturday, when the road surface and overhead trolleybus wires were damaged and two people were injured. In the broader context, Kyiv has faced a series of attacks on bridges and other infrastructure over several days, with the Pivdennyi, or Southern, Bridge also hit multiple times. Russian officials said the bridges were being used for military transport, while Ukrainian city officials warned that repeated strikes were creating a serious situation for the capital’s logistics and critical services.

The Sunday attack coincided with a surprise visit to Kyiv by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. During the trip, Merz reiterated Germany’s support for Ukraine and said Berlin would help strengthen Ukraine’s air defences. The report also noted that experts believe repeated drone strikes are more likely to disrupt bridge use and gradually damage structures than to destroy the spans outright.