Russia struck a major bridge in Kyiv on Sunday, 4 October, shortly after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived on an unannounced visit to reaffirm support for Ukraine. The attack damaged the Northern Bridge over the Dnipro River as air-raid warnings sounded across the capital.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the strike hit the bridge’s roadway and injured two people. Emergency services were dispatched to the crossing, which connects the eastern and western parts of the city.
Merz arrived by train accompanied by German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and business representatives. His visit came amid intensified Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and growing concern about the vulnerability of essential infrastructure before winter.
Germany announces further assistance
During talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Merz announced an additional €1 billion in military assistance and €350 million to support repairs to Ukraine’s energy system. He said continued backing for Ukraine was also essential to European security.
The military support includes combat drones and satellite technology. Germany is also supporting the development and production of interceptors designed to counter Russia’s increasingly fast, jet-powered attack drones, which have presented new challenges for Ukrainian air defences.
The energy funding is intended to help restore damaged infrastructure and maintain essential services as temperatures fall.
Infrastructure under mounting pressure
The Northern Bridge is among several Dnipro crossings struck in recent days. Repeated attacks threaten transport connections between Kyiv’s two banks, alongside the wider disruption caused by strikes on electricity, railway and communications infrastructure.
Air-raid sirens continued during the visit. Merz and Zelenskyy inspected damage at the National Academy of Sciences, where an earlier Russian attack had killed two people. The chancellor condemned attacks on civilians and called for an end to the war.
Diplomats reject Russian warnings
Russia’s foreign ministry had warned foreign nationals and diplomatic staff against remaining in or travelling to Ukraine, saying further attacks would follow.
European representatives said the warnings would not end their presence. EU ambassador Katarína Mathernová confirmed that the delegation would remain in Kyiv, while Merz’s visit reinforced Germany’s commitment to continued military and energy assistance.
Newshub Editorial in Europe – 5 October 2026
Russia struck a major bridge in Kyiv on Sunday, 4 October, shortly after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived on an unannounced visit to reaffirm support for Ukraine. The attack damaged the Northern Bridge over the Dnipro River as air-raid warnings sounded across the capital.
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