A Russian strike has damaged a major bridge in Kyiv as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in the Ukrainian capital for an unannounced visit and talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The attack hit the Northern Bridge over the Dnipro River, damaging part of the roadway and a hot-water supply system in the area, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Two people were reported injured.
The strike came shortly after Merz arrived in Kyiv, with air-raid sirens and explosions heard across the city. His visit was intended to demonstrate Germany's continued support for Ukraine as Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities intensify.
Merz said Ukraine could continue to rely on German support and called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war and attacks on civilians.
During the visit, Germany was preparing to announce around €1 billion in additional military assistance for Ukraine, alongside funding for repairs to the country's energy infrastructure. Germany and Ukraine are also expected to advance plans for joint production of drones and other defence technologies.
The German chancellor and Zelenskyy also visited a damaged building belonging to Ukraine's National Academy of Sciences. The site was struck during an earlier Russian drone attack.
The latest strike comes amid a wider escalation in attacks on Kyiv's infrastructure. Ukrainian officials say several bridges in the capital have been targeted in recent days, raising concerns about transport and logistics as winter approaches.
Russia has said its attacks are retaliation for Ukrainian strikes against targets inside Russia. Moscow has also warned foreign diplomats and nationals against remaining in or travelling to Kyiv.