Russian Drone Strikes Target Kyiv Bridges Amid Chancellor Visit

Mon Oct 05 2026 08:10:34 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Russia has struck Kyiv’s key bridges twice, hit the southern more than once, as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visits the city.

Russian forces have intensified attacks on Kyiv’s main traffic arteries, hitting the Pivnichnyi (Northern) Bridge on consecutive days and striking the Pivdennyi (Southern) Bridge multiple times earlier this week. The latest assault coincided with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s surprise visit to the capital, underscoring the strategic importance of these crossings. BBC Ukraine correspondent Dan Johnson, stationed near one of the targeted bridges, reports on the damage and the broader implications for the city's resilience. These incursions raise concerns about both civilian safety and the potential to disrupt military logistics.

What We Know About Russian Strikes on Kyiv Bridges

Over the past four days, Russian forces have intensified attacks on Ukraine’s primary traffic arteries in Kyiv, striking the city’s two main river bridges repeatedly. The Pivnichnyi (Northern) Bridge sustained a second hit, while the Pivdennyi (Southern) Bridge suffered multiple strikes earlier in the week.

The most recent barrage came as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv this Sunday, highlighting the strategic significance of these crossings amid the broader conflict.

BBC Ukraine correspondent Dan Johnson, positioned near one of the damaged bridges, outlines what is known so far. He notes that the strikes were carried out by drones and that they could be aimed at disrupting both civilian and military movements.

The Pivnichnyi Bridge: hit for a second day in a row.
The Pivdennyi Bridge: hit multiple times earlier in the week.
Latest attack coincided with Chancellor Merz’s visit.

For further detail, readers can consult the related BBC article on the June 2024 Kyiv bridge raid, which provides in‑depth coverage of the military tactics and the city’s response efforts.