Russia 'tearing Kyiv apart', mayor says, as strikes paralyse traffic

As Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to disregard the rules of armed conflict by targeting civilian areas, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko warns that the situation in the capital has reached a dramatic new level. The city is no longer able to maintain a peacetime lifestyle, as the enemy is tearing Kyiv apart, Klitschko stated on Telegram. Authorities have shut down one of Kyiv's main bridges and restricted movement on another following a wave of deadly strikes from fast-moving, jet-powered drones.

Traffic is severely disrupted, with long lines of stationary cars and buses causing gridlock on main roads. Commuters are either seeking alternative routes or walking to their destinations. Tetiana Osypenko, a 49-year-old seamstress, shared her experience of spending three hours stuck in traffic unable to reach her workplace. The Southern Bridge, one of eight bridges connecting the east and west of Kyiv over the Dnipro river, is completely closed in both directions due to repeated strikes.

President Zelensky accused Putin of violating the rules of armed conflict by launching massive attacks on civilian areas. He cited unnamed intelligence sources and people close to Putin, stating that the Russians couldn't occupy Ukraine and are now carrying out heavy attacks and killings. The Kremlin has not responded publicly to Zelensky's claim.