Kyiv bridge hit in further drone attack as German chancellor makes surprise visit
BBC News 2026-10-04 08:48:38
Context: A major bridge in Kyiv, the Pivnichnyi Bridge, has been targeted by Russian drone strikes for the second day in a row, causing damage and disrupting traffic. The attacks coincide with a surprise visit from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to the city, who reaffirmed Germany's support for Ukraine and pledged further assistance. The bridge is a critical infrastructure link between the western and eastern parts of the capital.
Key Facts
- The Pivnichnyi Bridge in Kyiv was hit by a Russian drone strike on Sunday morning, damaging a heating main and causing a temporary lack of hot water in the north-eastern Desnyanskyi district.
- The bridge was first struck by drones on Saturday, injuring two people and damaging the road surface and overhead trolleybus wires.
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made a surprise visit to Kyiv, reaffirming his country's support for Ukraine and pledging further assistance to bolster Ukrainian air defences.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that Russia's attacks on Kyiv's critical infrastructure are in response to Ukraine's strikes on Russian energy facilities, despite Russia launching the initial attacks.