Russian Strike Hits Kyiv Bridge During German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Visit to Ukraine

At 01:56, Putin accused Europe of escalating tensions over Russia’s war on Ukraine as Russian forces struck a key bridge in Kyiv just as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in the Ukrainian capital to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The unannounced visit, marked by the sound of air sirens and explosions, took place on Sunday to underscore Germany’s support for the nation at a time when Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities are increasing. In a written statement, Merz said he “travelled to Kyiv today because Ukraine needs all our support in the coming weeks”. “If Russia is not stopped, its war machine will sooner or later turn against us,” he added.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the memorial of fallen Ukrainian soldiers at Independence Square in Kyiv on October 4, 2026. Merz and Zelenskyy also met at the National Academy of Sciences, which was struck by a Russian drone on September 28. Zelenskyy told Merz that Kyiv’s citizens are going through “terrible nights and days” due to the ongoing Russian attacks.

Merz was accompanied by his economy minister, as well as executives from several large German companies, such as Siemens Energy and Diehl Defence. Ukraine and Germany are expected to finalise a deal to produce drones and other weapons together that can travel more than 600 miles (965.6km) in an effort to strike deeper into Russia.

Germany has been one of Ukraine’s staunchest supporters. In April, the two countries signed a military pact worth more than $4bn. On Sunday, a $1.1bn military aid package is set to be announced, alongside $394m to repair damage to Ukraine’s energy sector.

Merz’s visit comes a day after Russia warned foreign diplomats and nationals to leave the capital to avoid getting hurt. Russia’s Ministry of Defence promised to intensify strikes on Ukraine after Zelenskyy said in an interview with the Reuters news agency that it is doubling down on targeting Russian oil refineries after several civilians were killed and wounded over the weekend.

The strike that hit the Northern Bridge over the Dnipro River on Sunday also damaged a road and the supply of hot water in the area, according to a social media statement from Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. It is the second bridge in the capital to be hit this weekend. Russia’s all-out war on Ukraine is in its fifth year, with both sides increasing the number of drone and missile attacks on infrastructure, logistics, and military sites in recent months.