A Russian drone struck a major bridge in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, on Sunday, injuring two people as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited the city in a show of support for President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The attack targeted the Northern Bridge, with video footage showing a large plume of fire and black smoke rising from the structure while vehicles were still moving across it.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said two people were injured in the incident.
The strike marked the second time the Northern Bridge had been hit in two days as Russia intensified its attacks on the Ukrainian capital.
Earlier, Kyiv’s Southern Bridge, which carries road traffic and the city’s subway system, was hit five times within less than 24 hours on Thursday and Friday.
Merz arrived in Kyiv alongside his Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Katarina Reiche, despite warnings issued by Russia on Saturday that foreign visitors and dignitaries in the Ukrainian capital were not safe amid its ongoing attacks.
“Ukraine is facing decisive weeks ahead,” Merz wrote on X Saturday. “Therefore I have traveled to Kyiv today with the message: You can rely on us.”
During the visit, Zelensky and Merz were expected to finalise a major defence and industrial partnership covering the production of drones and missiles.
The German government was also expected to announce €1bn ($1.13bn) in military aid and €350m ($390m) to help repair Ukraine’s damaged energy infrastructure.
Zelensky has warned that Ukraine’s defence needs are growing as Russia intensifies its air campaign, including the use of high-speed, jet-powered Shahed-type drones capable of bypassing traditional Ukrainian air defences.
