What does “ins Visier nehmen” mean in German?

“Visier” is the small sight on a gun you look through when you aim. So “etwas ins Visier nehmen” gives you a clear picture: you line something up in your sights. In the clip, Ukrainian units have already done this to the Chonhar bridge before, so the phrase covers both the real military strike and the deliberate choice to hit that target. Outside conflict news it simply means you have decided to focus on something and pursue it.

Spoken line: “Es ist nicht das erste Mal, dass ukrainische Einheiten die Chanabrücke ins Visier nehmen.” — “It is not the first time that Ukrainian units have set their sights on the Chonhar bridge.” (The bridge name comes out as “Chanabrücke” in the audio.) More examples: - “Die Polizei hat die Bande seit Wochen ins Visier genommen.” — The police have had the gang in their sights for weeks. - “Mit dem neuen Produkt nimmt die Firma junge Kunden ins Visier.” — With the new product the company is targeting young customers. - “Reporter nahmen den Minister ins Visier.” — Reporters set their sights on the minister. Usage notes: You put the target after the verb: “jemanden / etwas ins Visier nehmen.” It works for real military or police operations and for goals like a market, a rival, or a person you want to question. The tone is serious and a little aggressive — you are picking a target on purpose.