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A bridge in Kyiv was hit in a Russian attack Sunday shortly after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in the Ukrainian capital on an unannounced visit, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.
“Impact on the road surface of the Northern Bridge. Emergency services are heading to the scene,” Klitschko wrote on Telegram.
Air raid sirens had sounded earlier in Kyiv, warning that drones were approaching the city.
Merz arrived by train Sunday in a show of support for Ukraine in its war with Russia.
“I travelled to Kyiv today because Ukraine needs all our support in the coming weeks,” Merz said in a statement after his arrival.
“If Russia is not stopped, its war machine will sooner or later turn against us,” he added.
Germany is among Ukraine’s largest supporters. Merz was joined on the visit by Economy Minister Katherina Reiche, according to government sources.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga met Merz at the train and said the chancellor would hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on “all matters of our bilateral, European, and international agenda.”
“Ukraine and Germany have built a strong strategic partnership, and we are determined to deepen it further,” Sybiga wrote on X.
Merz said he would tell Zelenskyy, "You can continue to count on our help.”
His statement also highlighted cooperation between German and Ukrainian companies.
Kyiv has faced increasing Russian missile and drone attacks targeting key infrastructure, including the energy sector needed for power and heating as winter approaches.
Russia on Saturday warned foreigners and diplomats to leave Kyiv, saying “massive” new airstrikes would target the city.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said, “responsibility for any potential negative consequences rests entirely with those who ignore this warning.”
Moscow issued a similar warning in May, but leaders from countries supporting Ukraine continued to visit Kyiv despite the warnings.
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