Russia steps up strikes on Kyiv bridges, raising risk of prolonged closures
Russia has stepped up strikes on bridges across the Dnipro River in Kyiv in recent days, targeting crossings that connect the capital’s left and right banks. If the attacks continue and the bridges have to be closed for extended periods, the city could face serious transportation and logistics problems, The New York Times reported on Oct. 3.
In recent days, Russia has escalated its strikes on the bridges spanning the Dnipro River in Kyiv, particularly those linking the capital’s left and right banks. Should the attacks persist and result in prolonged closures, the city may encounter significant transportation and logistics challenges, according to The New York Times on October 3.
On October 3, a Russian strike targeted the Northern Bridge, causing damage to its road surface and trolleybus power lines. Traffic was restricted, and two individuals sustained injuries. This incident was part of a series of strikes on bridges throughout the capital. On October 1 and 2, Russian drones repeatedly attacked the Southern Bridge, causing substantial damage, including to the roadway, a bridge pier, guardrails, and a protective structure for the metro.
The bridge was subsequently closed to both road traffic and metro service. These restrictions on Dnipro River crossings have already led to severe traffic congestion in Kyiv, necessitating pedestrians to cross bridges on foot. Public transit faced delays, and some passengers had to traverse the bridges manually. Given that major transportation routes connecting the city’s two sides cross the Dnipro, the bridges serve crucial functions for motorists, public transit, pedestrians, rail services, and the metro.
If sustained strikes lead to the closure of some bridges, Kyiv would need to devise alternative routes for transporting people, goods, and essential supplies. The New York Times suggested that Russia’s campaign against the bridges might be a part of a larger strategy to disrupt the capital’s normal functioning ahead of winter, potentially prompting city authorities to restrict bridge usage for safety reasons.
Traffic across Kyiv’s Southern Bridge has been halted since October 2 following additional Russian drone strikes that damaged the bridge’s piers, road surface, and guardrails. The closures resulted in severe traffic gridlock throughout the capital on October 2, with all major city thoroughfares paralyzed, public transit delayed, and pedestrians forced to cross bridges on foot.
Written by urgent.news from New Voice of Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
