Kyiv bridge hit in further Russian drone attack as German chancellor makes surprise visit

A major bridge in Kyiv, the Pivnichnyi (Northern) Bridge, was targeted by Russian drone strikes for the second day in a row, damaging the road surface and causing traffic disruptions. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that the strike also damaged a heating main, leading to a temporary lack of hot water in the Desnyanskyi district. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's surprise visit to Kyiv coincided with these attacks, during which he reaffirmed Germany's support for Ukraine and pledged further assistance to bolster Ukrainian air defenses.