Russia Strikes Kyiv Bridge as Germany’s Merz Visits Ukraine Amid Escalating Attacks

 

Russia Strikes Kyiv Bridge as Germany’s Merz Visits Ukraine

Kyiv, Ukraine — Russia struck a key bridge in Kyiv on Sunday as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in the Ukrainian capital for an unannounced visit aimed at demonstrating Germany’s continued support for Ukraine.

The Russian attack came shortly after Merz arrived in Kyiv, with air-raid sirens and explosions reported across the city. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the road surface of the Northern Bridge over the Dnieper River was hit. Two people were reported injured in the attack.

Merz Arrives Amid Russian Attacks

Merz traveled to Kyiv by train with German Economy and Energy Minister Katherina Reiche and a business delegation. He said Ukraine needed strong international support as Russian attacks intensified ahead of another winter of war.

“I traveled to Kyiv today because Ukraine needs all our support in the coming weeks,” Merz said, warning that Russia’s war could eventually threaten broader European security.

The German chancellor met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the visit and also visited a damaged National Academy of Sciences building in central Kyiv.

Germany Announces New Aid Package

During the visit, Germany announced more than €1.3 billion in additional assistance for Ukraine.

Around €1 billion of the package is earmarked for military assistance, including long-range weapons, combat drones and satellite technology. Another €350 million will support Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as the country prepares for winter.

Germany and Ukraine also announced a series of agreements covering defense cooperation, weapons production and other joint projects. The agreements were valued at more than €8.5 billion, according to Ukrainian officials.

Merz also said Germany would support the development and production of interceptor drones designed to counter Russia’s increasingly used jet-powered drones.

Kyiv Bridges Become Increasing Targets

The Northern Bridge attack is part of a wider series of strikes on bridges and transport infrastructure in Kyiv in recent days.

Russian attacks have disrupted traffic across the capital, with several bridges reportedly damaged or partially closed. Ukrainian officials have accused Moscow of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure in an effort to disrupt daily life and put additional pressure on the city before winter.

Russia has said it intends to intensify strikes against Ukrainian military-industrial facilities and related infrastructure.

Zelenskyy Calls for More Air Defense

Zelenskyy said Ukraine urgently needs additional air-defense capabilities as Russia increases its use of drones and missiles.

He praised Germany for continuing to provide military assistance and said cooperation between the two countries could help Ukraine respond more effectively to the growing drone threat.

The Ukrainian president has also urged Western allies to provide additional weapons and ammunition as attacks continue across the country.

Possible Diplomatic Talks

Despite the escalation, diplomatic efforts have not completely stopped.

Zelenskyy said the United States has been communicating with both Kyiv and Moscow and has proposed technical-level trilateral talks before the end of October, potentially in the United Arab Emirates. Ukraine has indicated that it is prepared to participate, while Russia's response remains awaited.

For now, however, fighting continues and there are few clear signs of an immediate peace settlement.

A Strong Signal of European Support

Merz’s visit was intended to send a strong message that Germany and Europe remain committed to supporting Ukraine despite Russia’s intensified attacks.

The timing of the visit, with Russian drones striking parts of Kyiv while the German delegation was in the city, highlighted the continuing risks facing Ukraine’s capital.

As winter approaches, Kyiv faces growing concerns over attacks on energy, transportation and other critical infrastructure. Germany’s latest aid package is expected to play an important role in helping Ukraine strengthen its defenses and prepare for the difficult months ahead.

The situation remains tense, with further Russian and Ukrainian attacks possible as both sides continue their military operations.