In brief
Across the last 96 hours, Russian missile and drone assaults have repeatedly targeted Kyiv's key bridges, disrupting vital north‑south routes. The Pivnichnyi (Northern) Bridge sustained damage on two consecutive days, while the Pivdennyi (Southern) Bridge suffered multiple blows earlier this week. These attacks were carried out amid German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s surprise visit to Kyiv, underscoring heightened focus on the capital. BBC Ukraine correspondent Dan Johnson reports on the scene near the northern bridge, providing visual evidence and ground‑level commentary. The plight highlights the strategic value of infrastructure in the ongoing conflict.
In the past four days, Russian missile and drone strikes have repeatedly targeted Kyiv’s two primary bridges, disrupting the city’s north‑south transport links and signalling Moscow’s escalating pressure on the capital.
The Pivnichnyi (Northern) Bridge was hit on two consecutive days, while the Pivdennyi (Southern) Bridge sustained a series of blows earlier in the week. Each blow has left parts of the steel structure damaged, with emergency crews scrambling to assess and repair the breaches.
The most recent assault came as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv on Sunday, a move that has drawn international attention and raised questions about the timing of the attacks. Sources say the German delegation was met with heightened security and briefed on the situation.
BBC Ukraine correspondent Dan Johnson was on the scene near the northern bridge, reporting live from the frontline. He described the damage and highlighted the resilience of local repair teams working under pressure.
Readers can read more about the incident in the related story Kyiv bridge hit in further Russian drone attack as German chancellor makes surprise visit.
