A Russian drone hits a bridge in Kyiv during the German Chancellor's visit
Quick Look
A Russian drone struck a northern bridge in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, during a visit by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to show support for President Volodymyr Zelensky, sparking fire and heavy smoke with no reports of casualties so far, in the second attack on the bridge in two days.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Russia continues its campaign against the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, using drones. The Northern Bridge was targeted twice in two days, amid international visits to support Ukraine despite security warnings.
(CNN) - A Russian drone struck a bridge in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, on Sunday, coinciding with a visit by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to the city to show support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Video footage showed the moment the "Northern Bridge" in the city was hit, causing huge flames and thick black smoke to rise, while cars were still crossing it, and there have been no reports so far of any injuries.
Russia is escalating its campaign against the Ukrainian capital, and this is the second time that the northern bridge has been bombed in two days.
This visit comes at a time when Mertz arrived in Kiev accompanied by the Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy, Katharina Reich, despite Russian warnings issued on Saturday that foreign visitors and dignitaries in the Ukrainian capital are not safe amid the continuing Russian attacks.
Mertz wrote on the “X” platform on Saturday: “Ukraine is facing critical weeks, so I traveled to Kiev today carrying a message saying: You can count on us.”
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Russia will continue to use drones to target infrastructure in Kyiv
Likely · Within weeks
Western support to Ukraine in terms of anti-drone defensive systems will increase
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- What is the extent of the material damage to the North Bridge?
- Will foreign visits to Kyiv continue despite Russian threats?
- What is the expected response from NATO to this escalation?
