Russia Strikes Kyiv Bridge During German Chancellor Merz's Surprise Visit

On Sunday, Russia struck a bridge in Kyiv shortly after Germany's chancellor, Friedrich Merz, arrived in the Ukrainian capital on an unannounced visit intended to demonstrate European support amid a surge in attacks. Air raid sirens sounded across Kyiv, warning residents to take shelter as Merz arrived under heavy security and warnings of approaching Russian attack drones were issued. Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that the strike damaged the road surface of the Northern Bridge, one of several crossings over the Dnipro River linking the eastern and western sections of the city that have been targeted in recent days. Images circulated on messaging channels appeared to show a missile hitting the structure and producing a fireball. Merz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky were scheduled to meet as Germany and Ukraine moved closer to finalizing a military support package valued at more than US$1 billion. The visit and the strike underscore the heightened tensions in Kyiv, with recent attacks repeatedly hitting key infrastructure.