Kyiv's Northern Bridge hit in fresh Russian drone attack as German chancellor visits

A bridge in Kyiv was struck in a fresh Russian drone attack, with unverified video circulating online showing a drone hitting the Northern Bridge as vehicles crossed it, producing a large fireball.

The strike occurred as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made a surprise visit to the Ukrainian capital, in a show of continued support for Ukraine as Russian attacks on the city persisted.

The timing of the attack, coinciding with a high-profile foreign visit, underscores the continued vulnerability of Kyiv's infrastructure to Russian strikes even as diplomatic engagement with Ukraine's allies continues.

Ongoing attacks on Kyiv

Kyiv has faced repeated waves of Russian drone and missile attacks throughout the war, with bridges, power infrastructure and residential buildings among the targets hit in recent months.

Authorities in Kyiv have not yet released a full assessment of casualties or structural damage from the latest strike on the Northern Bridge. Ukrainian officials have previously said such attacks are intended to undermine morale and strain infrastructure ahead of the winter months.

Merz's visit adds to a series of visits by Western leaders to Kyiv aimed at reinforcing political and military support for Ukraine as the war continues.