Footage shows a Russian drone crashing into the Pivnichnyi (Northern) Bridge in Kyiv, creating a large fireball as vehicles move across it.
What Happened
A Russian drone struck the Pivnichnyi Bridge in Kyiv. The attack occurred while vehicles were in transit, causing a fireball and a visible hole in the roadway.
Two people were injured in the incident. The Pivdennyi (Southern) Bridge had already been hit multiple times earlier in the week.
Key Facts
- The Pivnichnyi Bridge was struck for the second consecutive day.
- Video footage, verified by the BBC, shows cars moving on the bridge before the drone impact.
- A black smoke cloud rose above the bridge after the explosion.
- Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said a heating main was damaged, leading to a temporary lack of hot water in the Desnyanskyi district.
Background: The Bridges and Infrastructure
Kyiv has eight bridges spanning the Dnipro River. These connect the western and eastern parts of the city, which houses about three million residents.
Many of the capital’s residents rely heavily on the metro lines and trains to travel across the city.
While the bridges remain structurally standing, repeated drone attacks have caused closures and gridlock. Residents report severe travel difficulties, especially on weekdays.
Why It Matters
Targeting bridges and infrastructure is a strategic move. It disrupts logistics, public transport, and daily life.
Experts note that while drones are unlikely to collapse bridges, repeated strikes can weaken their structure and force closures.
Such attacks signal a shift in Russian military strategy—moving from battlefield engagements to targeting civilian infrastructure.
Political Response
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made a surprise visit to Kyiv. He met with President Zelensky and laid wreaths at a memorial for fallen Ukrainian soldiers.
Merz emphasized Germany’s support for Ukraine, stating: ‘Ukraine is facing decisive weeks. That is why I travelled to Kyiv today with the message: You can rely on us.’
He added that Germany’s support is also in its own interest, as ‘if Russia is not stopped, its war machine will sooner or later turn against us.’
What to Watch Next
Officials are planning temporary solutions: pontoon bridges, ferry services, and a tunnel under the river to maintain connectivity.
The Russian defence ministry said it would intensify strikes in response to Zelensky’s comments about targeting Russian oil refineries.
The Russian foreign ministry has warned foreign citizens, including diplomats, to leave Kyiv. The EU and German ambassadors have responded by affirming their continued presence.
EU Ambassador Katarína Mathernová wrote on X: ‘Threatening us will not stop Europe’s support for Ukraine. It only reminds us why that support matters!’
Germany has been the largest donor to Ukraine since May 2025. Zelensky said ‘important agreements’ would be made between Ukraine and Germany.
As attacks continue, Ukraine seeks more advanced military support, including interceptors capable of shooting down jet-powered drones and ballistic missiles.
Sources & further reading
Featured image: Kyiv Metro Bridge.JPG by Andriy155, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Image source · License
