Russian drone slams into bridge in Kyiv as Germany’s chancellor visits, tell me about this news today

A Russian drone struck the Northern Bridge (North Bridge) across the Dnipro River in Kyiv, occurring shortly after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in the Ukrainian capital on an unannounced visit.

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The Strike on the Bridge

• The Incident: Video footage captured the moment a projectile hit the road surface of the Northern Bridge while civilian vehicles were actively crossing, triggering a large fireball and plumes of black smoke.

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• Impact & Damage: Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that emergency response teams were deployed immediately to deal with damage to the road deck. No casualties were immediately reported following the strike.

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• Context: The attack triggered air raid sirens across the capital and marks repeated strikes targeting key river crossings and infrastructure in Kyiv over recent days.

Chancellor Merz’s Visit

• Show of Support: Chancellor Merz traveled to Kyiv by train alongside Germany’s Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Katherina Reiche, and a delegation of German defense and energy industry executives.

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• Defying Warnings: The trip went ahead despite official warnings issued by Moscow advising foreign dignitaries and diplomats against traveling to Kyiv due to intensifying bombardments.

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• Key Pledges: Merz stated that his visit was aimed at delivering a clear message of European solidarity ahead of critical weeks for Ukraine. The delegation’s talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy focus on deepening defense industry partnerships and finalizing substantial military aid, including interceptor drones and long-range weapons capabilities.

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