Russian airstrikes target bridges across Dnipro River in Kyiv

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   Russian Airstrikes Target Kyiv Bridges as Strikes Intensify

   Russian airstrikes hit critical bridges across the Dnipro River in Kyiv during a fatal drone assault. The attacks forced authorities to close the Pivdennyi and Paton bridges while restricting traffic on the Metro Bridge. The strikes are part of what officials call a new disruption tactic designed to force residents to abandon the capital. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy vowed to double down on attacks against Russian oil reserves and energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, Russia's Defence Ministry announced it would intensify strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian regions following Zelenskiy's remarks.

   Why it matters

   Moscow has adopted a new policy of aerial bombardment targeting vital civilian and transportation infrastructure in Kyiv. This strategy aims to drive residents out of major urban centers while Russian forces attempt to project strength amidst frontline territorial losses. In retaliation, Ukraine has pledged to expand its drone and missile strikes against Russian oil refineries and defense industry sites.

   What is confirmed

   • Russian airstrikes targeted bridges across the Dnipro River in Kyiv.
   • Kyiv closed the Pivdennyi and Paton bridges and restricted traffic on the Metro Bridge following the attack.
   • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy vowed to double down on attacks against Russian oil refineries and energy infrastructure.
   • The Russian Defence Ministry stated it would step up attacks on military facilities, defense industry sites, and Ukrainian regions.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The new Moscow policy is designed to project strength at a time when the Russian military is losing ground in a key frontline region.

   What to watch next

   • Implementation of threatened retaliatory Ukrainian strikes against Russian oil refineries
   • Further Russian military attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian regions
   • Efforts by Ukraine and Germany to deploy their new 1.5 billion dollar deal to counter drone attacks
   Sources used for this update (13)

   1. BBC — Russia targets busy bridge in central Kyiv in broad daylight
   2. The Kyiv Independent — Russian drones once more hit key bridge in central Kyiv, damage reported
   3. reuters.com — Russian air strikes hit Southern Bridge in Kyiv again, mayor says
   4. Українська правда — Kyiv closes Pivdennyi and Paton bridges after Russian attack, restricts traffic on Metro Bridge
   5. dw.com — Ukraine: Kyiv bridges shut after fatal Russian drone assault
   6. AP News — Russian aerial strikes snarl traffic on 3 Kyiv bridges in a new disruption tactic
   7. www.aol.com — Russian airstrikes target bridges across Dnipro River in Kyiv
   8. www.abc.net.au — Ukraine will hit Russian refineries in response to Moscow's 'new doctrine' of air strikes, Volodymyr Zele....
   9. www.cnbc.com — Ukraine to hit refineries in response to Russian airstrikes ...
   10. www.afp.com — Russian strikes hit Kyiv while Germany's Merz visits
   11. www.hindustantimes.com — Russia to intensify strikes on Kyiv and other Ukraine regions after Zelensky vows to ‘double down’ on attacks
   12. srnnews.com — Russia to intensify strikes on Ukraine after Zelenskiy interview
   confidence 100%