RismadarVoice Reporters
October 4, 2026
Russia struck Kyiv’s Northern Bridge over the Dnipro River on Sunday for the second consecutive day, shortly after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in the Ukrainian capital for an unannounced visit.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the attack damaged the bridge’s road surface, with emergency services deployed to the scene. The strike also affected infrastructure in the area.
The attack came amid a sustained Russian campaign against major crossings over the Dnipro, with bridges in Kyiv targeted for four consecutive days.
The Northern Bridge had already been struck on Saturday, while other crossings have also come under attack, prompting authorities to restrict or temporarily suspend traffic on several routes.
Merz arrived in Kyiv on Sunday for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and to reaffirm Germany’s support for Ukraine.
His arrival was accompanied by air raid warnings and explosions across the capital as authorities warned of incoming Russian drones.
During the visit, Merz announced additional German military and energy assistance for Ukraine and said Berlin would continue supporting Kyiv despite intensified Russian attacks.
The latest strike underscores mounting pressure on Kyiv’s transport and critical infrastructure as Russia steps up attacks on the Ukrainian capital and other parts of the country.
Russia said the Northern Bridge was targeted because it was being used for the movement of troops and military cargo, a claim that could not be independently verified.
The repeated attacks have disrupted movement between Kyiv’s eastern and western districts, which are connected by bridges spanning the Dnipro River.
Russia and Ukraine have intensified long-range attacks on each other’s infrastructure in recent weeks as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain unresolved.
