Russia strikes Kyiv bridge during world leader’s visit to city
Updated . First published at
A Russian drone has struck a Kyiv bridge as Germany’s leader arrived in the Ukrainian capital for an unannounced visit.
Video footage from Sunday’s strike showed the moment the city’s Northern Bridge was attacked, sparking a huge fireball while cars were still crossing. Two people were injured, the Kyiv mayor, Vitaliy Klitschko, said.
The Northern Bridge in Kyiv was hit by a Russian drone on Sunday, October 4. 9News
The attack on the bridge was the second in as many days as Russia continues to target Ukrainian infrastructure with a barrage of missiles and drones.
Ukrainian authorities say the Kremlin is attempting to divide the city, with Kyiv split along the Dnipro River.
The strike came as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv for an unannounced visit aimed at showing solidarity with Ukraine in its bloody war with Russia.
Just before his talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, air raid sirens and explosions could be heard as air defence systems were activated.
“Ukraine needs all our support in the coming weeks,” Merz said.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, shakes hand with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Sunday, October 4. (Press Service of The President of Ukraine via AP)
“If Russia is not stopped, sooner or later its war machine will turn against us.”
Merz and Germany’s economic affairs minister visited Kyiv after warnings from Russia on Saturday that foreign dignitaries to the Ukrainian capital were not safe as it stepped up attacks.
Zelenskyy and Merz are tying up a major defence and industrial partnership, which will result in the two countries finalising a deal for the production of drones and missiles.
Berlin is also expected to release €1 billion ($1.63 billion) in military aid and €350 million ($561 million) for repairs to Ukraine’s damaged energy infrastructure, German government officials said.
Russia’s Defence Ministry has warned Kyiv’s three million residents there will be no respite as the country begins to enter winter.
“Strikes by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation against military and military-industrial facilities, as well as associated infrastructure in Kyiv and other regions of Ukraine, will be intensified,” the ministry said.
- With CNN
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