Russia Hits Second Major Bridge in Kyiv as Attacks Disrupt Capital
Russia has struck a second major bridge in Kyiv, damaging a key crossing over the Dnipro River and causing fresh disruption to traffic in the Ukrainian capital.
The Northern Bridge was damaged during a Russian air attack early Saturday, October 3, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. The strike damaged the road surface and overhead trolleybus cables, forcing authorities to suspend traffic while emergency crews responded.
The attack came after repeated Russian drone strikes targeted Kyiv’s Southern Bridge over the previous two days. Those attacks had already caused major traffic problems and forced restrictions on several important crossings.
Northern Bridge Damaged in Kyiv
The Northern Bridge is one of the important routes connecting Kyiv’s eastern and western sides.
The Dnipro River divides much of the Ukrainian capital. Thousands of people depend on bridges across the river to travel between residential areas, workplaces and other parts of the city.
Klitschko said emergency services were sent to the Northern Bridge after the latest strike. He initially reported that traffic from the left bank toward the right bank had been suspended because of damage to the road and trolleybus infrastructure.
Later reports said traffic restrictions were gradually adjusted as authorities assessed the bridge and began repair work.
Second Major Bridge Hit
The Northern Bridge strike is the latest in a series of attacks affecting Kyiv’s bridges.
Russian drones had struck the Southern Bridge several times since Thursday. The attacks damaged parts of the bridge and resulted in temporary closures.
The repeated strikes have created serious traffic problems across the capital. With several bridges affected at the same time, commuters have been forced to use alternative routes.
The Associated Press reported that the latest strike contributed to traffic tailbacks in Kyiv for a third consecutive day.
The disruption is significant because more than one-third of Kyiv’s roughly three million residents live on the eastern side of the Dnipro, while many work on the western side.
Russia Confirms Responsibility
Russia’s Defence Ministry confirmed that Russian forces carried out the latest strike.
Moscow said the Northern Bridge is used to support troop movements and the movement of military cargo for Ukraine’s armed forces. Russia has repeatedly said that its strikes are directed at military or strategically important targets.
Ukraine has described the attacks as part of a broader campaign against infrastructure in Kyiv.
The latest strike has renewed concerns about the impact of attacks on essential infrastructure and everyday life in the capital.
Two People Reported Injured
Information about casualties changed as officials continued to assess the damage.
Reuters initially reported that no injuries were confirmed following the Northern Bridge strike. Later, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said two people had been injured, with one briefly requiring hospital treatment.
The attack occurred as Russia launched another large wave of strikes against Ukraine.
Ukrainian authorities have reported increasing use of drones, including faster jet-powered systems that can be more difficult to intercept.
Kyiv Faces Growing Transport Pressure
The bridge attacks have placed additional pressure on Kyiv’s transport network.
Public buses and trolleybuses have faced delays or route changes, while drivers have searched for alternative crossings. Long traffic queues have been reported in different parts of the city.
The situation is particularly difficult during periods of heavy Russian aerial attacks because residents may also need to respond to air-raid warnings.
Officials are working to repair damaged infrastructure and restore normal traffic as quickly as possible.
Attacks Raise Winter Concerns
The strikes have also raised concerns about what could happen as winter approaches.
Ukraine has experienced major attacks on energy infrastructure during previous winters. Damage to bridges and other transport links could make it harder for residents to move around the capital if further strikes affect power, heating or other essential services.
The latest attacks therefore come at a sensitive time for Kyiv.
For residents, the immediate priority is restoring transportation and maintaining access between both sides of the Dnipro.
The investigation into the Northern Bridge strike and the full extent of the damage remain ongoing. Ukrainian authorities are expected to provide further updates as repair teams continue their work and security conditions develop.
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