Kyiv Bridge Closures Disrupt Traffic as Russian Airstrikes Intensify
Russian airstrikes have severely damaged critical transport infrastructure in Kyiv, forcing the closure of three major bridges across the Dnipro River and disrupting daily routines for the city’s roughly three million residents, la.lv reported. The escalation includes nighttime drone attacks and new tactical deployments of fast jet-powered drones that present challenges for Ukrainian air defenses. The situation in the Ukrainian capital has become increasingly tense in recent days, with Russia intensifying attacks on the city’s infrastructure and repeatedly hitting bridges across the Dnipro, while nighttime drone attacks continue. Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that mass retaliatory strikes against Ukrainian cities will continue and called on foreign citizens and diplomatic mission staff to leave Ukraine.
Drone Strikes on Kyiv Bridges Injure Two People
Russian forces targeted the Northern Bridge in Kyiv, damaging the road surface and trolleybus overhead lines while traffic was actively moving across the span, TVNET reported, citing published video footage and Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Published videos show that the roadway is seriously damaged and that cars were driving across the bridge at the moment the drone attacked it. The strike on the Northern Bridge injured two people, with one person hospitalized, and ruptured a heating main that temporarily cut off hot water in the city’s Desna district. The Kyiv City State Administration press service reported that on Friday morning, the Southern Bridge and the Paton Bridge were closed in both directions, and the Metro Bridge was closed in the direction of the right bank, following nighttime attacks by Russia. Russia had previously attacked the Southern Bridge twice on Thursday, and on Saturday the strike hit the Northern Bridge.
Pontoon Crossings Planned for Emergency Transit
Ukrainian authorities are preparing emergency alternatives to maintain transport links across the Dnipro River should the remaining bridge infrastructure sustain further damage, la.lv reported. Ukrainian Infrastructure and Transport Minister Mykola Kalashnyk announced plans to construct backup pontoon crossings as a contingency measure. For the longer term, the construction of a tunnel under the Dnipro is even being considered, while the main priority is currently strengthening existing bridges and protecting them against future attacks.
Drone Debris Damages Structures
Air defense interceptions continue to scatter hazardous debris across Kyiv, la.lv reported. Debris from intercepted drones remains a hazard to people, buildings, and transport infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Kyiv Bridge Closures
Which bridges across the Dnipro River are currently closed?
Three bridges across the Dnipro are completely or partially closed due to Russian air raids.
How are officials planning to maintain transport between Kyiv’s river banks?
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport is planning the construction of backup pontoon crossings as an emergency measure, la.lv reported.
Were there any casualties during the recent bridge strikes?
Two people were injured during the strike on the Northern Bridge, with one person receiving treatment at the scene and another transported to a hospital, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko cited by TVNET.
Mykola Kalashnyk announced that the construction of backup pontoon crossings is being planned.
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