Russian drone slams into Kyiv bridge in escalating campaign as Germany’s chancellor arrives to airsirens and explosions

Key Points:

• A Russian drone struck Kyiv's Northern Bridge on Sunday, injuring two people and causing significant damage, coinciding with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to the city amid ongoing air raids and heightened security alerts.
• Russian attacks on Kyiv's bridges aim to divide the capital along the Dnipro River, disrupting transportation and isolating residential areas; Ukrainian officials plan to build alternative crossings to maintain connectivity.
• Chancellor Merz's visit underscores Germany's support for Ukraine, including a defense partnership to produce drones and missiles, alongside a €1 billion military aid package and €350 million for energy infrastructure repairs.
• Russia's defense ministry announced intensified strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, targeting military and industrial infrastructure, while President Zelensky vowed to retaliate by targeting Russian oil refineries despite international concerns about escalating energy conflicts.
• The situation remains critical for Kyiv's three million residents as Russia escalates its air campaign using advanced drones, and Ukrainian leadership emphasizes the urgent need for continued international support in the coming weeks.