Russia strikes Kyiv bridge with heavy drone as German chancellor visits

Russia conducted a significant drone strike against a key bridge crossing in Kyiv's northern sections on Sunday, coinciding with a high-profile visit by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to Ukraine's embattled capital. Video footage from the attack captured large explosions and billowing smoke rising from the bridge infrastructure, underscoring the intensity of Russian aerial operations against critical civilian installations.

At least two people were injured in the strike, according to preliminary reports. The attack marks the latest in an escalating series of Russian assaults targeting Kyiv's bridges and transportation infrastructure, raising concerns among Ukrainian officials about the potential isolation of different districts within the capital.

The timing of the attack during Merz's visit adds a symbolic dimension to the strike, occurring as Germany continues to strengthen its military support for Ukraine. The incident comes as Russia has intensified warnings to Western nations providing weaponry and aid to Kyiv, signaling Moscow's determination to maintain pressure on Ukrainian infrastructure and demonstrate its military reach despite ongoing international support for Ukraine.

Bridge infrastructure has emerged as a strategic focus for Russian forces, with repeated attacks aimed at degrading Ukraine's ability to move supplies and personnel across key urban areas. Sunday's strike demonstrates the persistent threat posed by unmanned aerial systems to civilian infrastructure in Ukraine's major population centers.