Russia Pledges Intensified Attacks on Kyiv After Bridge Strike

Russia's Defense Ministry has pledged to further intensify military attacks on Kyiv and other major Ukrainian cities, following strikes on a second major bridge in Ukraine's capital over the weekend.

The latest threat comes as Russian forces have ramped up attacks on Kyiv in recent weeks, targeting data centers, telecommunications facilities and energy infrastructure as it seeks to disrupt daily life in the capital and force power cuts ahead of winter.

A Russian drone struck Kyiv's key Northern Bridge over the Dnipro River on Saturday, damaging the road surface and forcing traffic to be suspended. Two people were injured in the attack, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

The attack came shortly after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv to pledge 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) in military aid to Ukraine, and after Russian drones repeatedly targeted Kyiv's Southern Bridge earlier in the week.

In an update posted via Telegram on Sunday, Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed the attack on the Northern Bridge, saying the bridge "supports the transfer of troops and the logistics of military cargo."

The ministry also responded to comments from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.