Russia Strikes Kyiv Bridge Again as Merz Visits to Pledge Support

Russia struck Kyiv's Pivnichnyi Bridge for a second time on Sunday, damaging a heating pipeline and disrupting hot water supply, as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made an unannounced visit to the Ukrainian capital to reaffirm support. No casualties were reported. The attack marks the fourth consecutive day of Russian strikes on Kyiv's major bridges, a new strategy targeting critical infrastructure. Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed emergency services responded to the strike, which damaged the roadway. Merz met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stating Ukraine faces "critical weeks" and that Germany remains a reliable ally. Russia claims the bridges are used for military transport and has warned foreign citizens to leave Kyiv, though EU and German diplomats said they remain. Kyiv's defense council called an emergency meeting Friday, with Klitschko describing a "very dramatic situation" as Moscow targets logistics and residential areas.