Russian Forces Strike Kyiv Bridge During Merz Visit

Russian forces intensified attacks on Kyiv during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit, with a drone striking the strategically important Pivdennyi Bridge over the Dnipro River, forcing its closure to all traffic. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the attack via Telegram, and emergency services were dispatched to the scene. The Pivdennyi Bridge was hit multiple times between October 1 and 2, with strikes targeting its support structure, leading authorities to close it and restrict traffic on other city bridges. Reports of potential embassy evacuation plans caused concern, though Ukraine's Foreign Ministry denied receiving any such requests, despite an unnamed diplomat telling The Guardian that the situation in Kyiv was "rapidly deteriorating." Russia has previously pressured embassies to leave Kyiv, with its Foreign Ministry warning in May of long-range strikes and urging foreign citizens to depart. Around 50 countries condemned these threats in a UN statement. Separately, Russia attacked Hostomel overnight, hitting a pharmaceutical warehouse, while Ukrainian officials claim Russian losses exceed 1.53 million soldiers, though these figures remain unverified.