Russia launched an attack on a bridge in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Sunday, shortly after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived for a surprise visit to demonstrate European support for Ukraine. The attack damaged the surface of the Northern Bridge, one of the bridges connecting the two sides of the city across the Dnieper River. Sirens blared across the capital shortly after Merz's arrival, with warnings of approaching Russian drones and calls for residents to take shelter.
The visit by Merz comes as Russia has stepped up its attacks on Kyiv's bridges and infrastructure. On Saturday, a bridge in the city was hit, injuring two people and damaging the road surface and overhead power lines for buses, disrupting traffic. The Southern Bridge has also been hit by repeated drone strikes in recent days. Russia has said its drones targeted the bridges because they were being used to transport Ukrainian troops and military supplies.
Merz's visit is seen as a show of support for Ukraine, with the German Chancellor set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Sources in Berlin expect the two leaders to agree on a new package of military support worth over $1 billion. The package is expected to include combat drones and satellite technology to help Ukraine target Russian launch sites, as well as joint production of drones capable of intercepting Russian drones.
The attacks on Kyiv's bridges have raised concerns about the city's infrastructure and the potential for further disruptions. The city's mayor, Vitali Klitschko, has warned that Kyiv is in a "very difficult situation" due to the targeting of vital infrastructure, logistics, and residential areas. The attacks have also caused power outages and disruptions to transportation, with concerns that further strikes could cut off links between the city's two sides.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of trying to drive people out of their cities by destroying bridges and essential services. He said in an interview that Russia had failed to occupy Ukraine and was now carrying out "mass killings" and "huge attacks". Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that attacks on Ukrainian economic infrastructure are in response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries and Black Sea ships.
The European Union has condemned Russia's attacks, with the EU ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova, saying that the EU's mission remains in Kyiv and that European support for Ukraine will not be deterred. The Russian foreign ministry had warned foreign diplomats and ambassadors to leave Kyiv, saying that the city would be subject to further air strikes.
As winter approaches, there are concerns about the impact of Russia's attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Last year's attacks led to power outages and heating disruptions, with temperatures dropping to -20C. The German government is expected to announce a package of support for Ukraine's energy sector, including generators and power stations, to help mitigate the effects of the attacks.
Key points
- Russia launches attack on Kyiv bridge hours after German Chancellor's visit
- EU ambassador says European support for Ukraine will not be deterred
- Germany to announce package of support for Ukraine's energy sector
