Russian forces targeted the Pivnichnyi (Northern) Bridge in Kyiv for a second consecutive day on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in the capital for a surprise visit. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that the Sunday morning strike damaged the bridge's roadway and a heating main, resulting in a temporary loss of hot water for residents in the north-eastern Desnyanskyi district. Air raid sirens sounded across the city soon after Merz's arrival under high security, with warnings of approaching attack drones.
The strikes follow a series of attacks on Kyiv's infrastructure over the past four days. According to reports, the Pivdennyi (Southern) Bridge was hit multiple times by drones on Thursday, Oct. 1, and Friday, Oct. 2. The Pivnichnyi Bridge was first struck on Saturday, Oct. 3, which Mayor Klitschko said injured two people and damaged trolleybus power lines and the road surface. Prior to Thursday, these two bridges—which connect the eastern and western parts of the city across the Dnipro River—had not been targeted during the conflict.
During his visit, Chancellor Merz joined President Volodymyr Zelensky at a memorial for fallen Ukrainian defenders. German government sources stated that Merz was expected to agree a new military support package valued at more than $1 billion, including combat drones and satellite technology to help target Russian launch sites, and for the joint production of anti-jet drones. Additionally, the German delegation planned to pledge approximately 350 million euros (about $370 million) to help provide generators and transformer stations and for grid repairs, as Russia has admitted to targeting the Ukrainian energy sector.
For residents in the Desnyanskyi district, the damage to the heating main directly impacts basic utilities as winter approaches, a period when temperatures in the region can drop to -20C. The Ukrainian government has already suggested that vulnerable and disabled citizens consider leaving the city due to expected disruptions. The German support package, totaling approximately $1.37 billion in combined military and energy aid, is designed to address gaps in Ukraine's air defenses and provide backup power systems like generators.
The attacks also follow a Russian Foreign Ministry warning for foreign citizens and diplomats to leave Kyiv, citing "massive" upcoming strikes. Despite this warning, European Union Ambassador Katarina Mathernova stated that the EU delegation is staying. Chancellor Merz and President Zelensky were scheduled to meet to discuss the assistance.