Russian drone slams into Kyiv bridge in escalating campaign as Germany’s chancellor arrives to airsirens and explosions

Kyiv Bridges Come Under Renewed Attack as German Chancellor Visits Ukraine

Activelifezero.com – A Russian drone hit Kyiv’s Northern Bridge on Sunday morning, sending flames and thick black smoke into the air while vehicles were still moving across the key Dnipro River crossing. The strike came as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in the Ukrainian capital during another period of air raid warnings, explosions and active air defenses.

Two people were injured in the attack, Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said. It was the second consecutive day that the Northern Bridge had been struck, underscoring growing concern over attacks on the crossings that connect the two sides of a city divided by the Dnipro.

Kyiv’s bridge network has become an increasingly visible target in Russia’s expanded air campaign. The Southern Bridge, used by road traffic as well as the city’s subway system, was hit five times in less than 24 hours on Thursday and Friday. Ukrainian authorities have warned that repeated strikes on transport infrastructure could be intended to disrupt movement between the river’s banks.

The right bank of Kyiv contains many business districts, government institutions and central administrative facilities, while much of the left bank is residential. Damage to crossings could complicate daily travel, emergency response, supplies and the functioning of services for a city of roughly three million people.

Alternative crossings planned

Ukraine’s infrastructure minister said Sunday that Kyiv will begin preparations for several alternative Dnipro crossings if attacks on the existing bridges persist. The planning reflects the importance of keeping the capital connected even as air defenses face pressure from repeated launches of drones and missiles.

Russia’s Defense Ministry has said the Northern Bridge is used to transport Ukrainian troops and military supplies. It also said Saturday that it had targeted a logistics center in the wider Kyiv region. Ukrainian officials have described the campaign against the capital’s infrastructure as an effort to weaken the city’s resilience and separate its two sides.

The attacks coincided with Merz’s visit, which carried both political and practical significance. He traveled to Kyiv with Germany’s Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Katarina Reiche, despite Russian warnings issued Saturday that foreign officials visiting the capital could be at risk during the intensified strikes.

“Ukraine needs all our support in the coming weeks,” Merz said.

Merz pointed to Russian attacks on Ukrainian towns, homes and energy facilities while urging continued support for Kyiv.

“If Russia is not stopped, sooner or later its war machine will turn ⁠against us.”

Earlier in the day, the chancellor described the coming period as critical for Ukraine. In a message posted on X, he wrote that Ukraine “is facing decisive weeks ahead” and said he had come to Kyiv with a clear assurance:

“You can rely on us.”

Defense and industrial cooperation

Merz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are working to complete a major defense and industrial partnership that would involve joint production of drones and missiles. Germany is also expected to provide €1 billion, or about $1.13 billion, in military assistance, along with €350 million, about $390 million, for repairs to Ukraine’s damaged energy infrastructure.

The planned support arrives as Ukraine says its air-defense requirements are growing. Russia has accelerated its use of high-speed, jet-powered Shahed-type drones, which Ukrainian officials say can evade some defensive systems and take advantage of shortages of interceptor missiles.

For Kyiv residents, the bridge attacks add another threat to the regular pattern of air alerts. Major crossings over the Dnipro are not simply transport routes; they are essential links for commuters, public services and the wider operation of the capital. Even limited damage can create disruption well beyond the immediate strike site.

Moscow indicated Sunday that the pressure on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities would continue rather than ease.

“Strikes by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation against military and military-industrial facilities, as well as associated infrastructure in Kyiv and other regions of Ukraine, will be intensified,” the ministry said.

Energy attacks remain a central issue

The renewed Russian threat followed comments by Zelensky in which he said Ukraine intended to intensify attacks on oil refineries. He framed the approach as a response to Russia’s continuing strikes against Ukraine’s energy system and other civilian infrastructure.

“We have to respond in any way (we can). With their attacks on our energy, we have to respond on their energy. First of all, oil refiners, etc. – what gives money to them for this war,” Zelensky said.

His remarks came despite recent appeals from US President Donald Trump for Ukraine to avoid attacks on Russian oil infrastructure. Trump argued that such strikes were contributing to higher global oil prices.

Sunday’s attack on the Northern Bridge illustrated the immediate stakes of the broader campaign. As Kyiv considers backup crossings and seeks more air-defense capacity, the capital is preparing for the possibility that its infrastructure will remain under sustained pressure. Merz’s arrival amid sirens and explosions highlighted the same reality: military support, energy repairs and industrial cooperation are increasingly intertwined with Ukraine’s ability to keep its largest cities functioning during the war.