Russia hits Kyiv bridge as Germany’s Merz visits Ukraine’s capital

What Happened

A Russian strike hit the Northern Bridge over the Dnipro River in Kyiv on Sunday as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in the Ukrainian capital for an unannounced visit, according to the article and Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Klitschko said the strike damaged a road and the supply of hot water in the area, and that it was the second bridge in the capital hit this weekend. Air raid sirens and explosions were heard during Merz's visit. Merz met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the National Academy of Sciences, a building struck by a Russian drone on September 28. Merz said he travelled to Kyiv because Ukraine needs all support in coming weeks, and added: 'If Russia is not stopped, its war machine will sooner or later turn against us.' Zelenskyy said Kyiv's citizens are going through 'terrible nights and days' due to ongoing Russian attacks.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

Merz's visit under air raid conditions signals continued German and European backing for Ukraine as Russian strikes on urban infrastructure intensify. Germany is set to announce a $1.1bn military aid package and $394m for energy sector repairs, and the two countries are expected to finalise a deal to co-produce drones and weapons with ranges exceeding 600 miles (965.6km), which would deepen Ukraine's long-range strike capacity and industrial integration. Russia's explicit warning to foreign diplomats and promise to intensify strikes, combined with damage to bridges and energy infrastructure, indicates a widening of the air campaign against Kyiv at a politically sensitive moment.

Watch For

Finalization of the Germany-Ukraine drone and weapons co-production agreement with ranges over 600 miles; announcement of the $1.1bn military aid package and $394m energy repair allocation; further Russian strikes on bridges, energy, or civilian infrastructure in Kyiv following the Russian MoD's threat; and any movement by foreign diplomats or nationals out of the capital after Russia's warning.