Russia Strikes Kyiv Bridge in New Tactic to Disrupt Life

A Russian strike early Saturday damaged Kyiv’s Northern Bridge, suspending traffic and causing significant tailbacks for a third consecutive day. This action represents Moscow’s latest effort to disrupt daily life in the Ukrainian capital.

The strike occurred a day after Russian assaults led to the partial or full closure of three of Kyiv’s six road bridges over the Dnipro River. Prior to these recent attacks, Russia had targeted apartment blocks, supermarket warehouses, gas stations, and data centers in an escalation of its military actions.

The Northern Bridge’s road surface and trolleybus cables sustained damage, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko. No casualties were reported from this specific incident.

Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed its responsibility for the attack, stating that the bridge is utilized for troop movements and the logistics of military cargo deliveries for Ukraine’s armed forces. Videos circulated on social media, including footage purportedly from a driver's dashcam, appeared to capture the moment of impact as vehicles crossed the bridge.

This development comes amid an intensified aerial war. Kyiv has been striking Russia's oil industry and businesses, while Moscow has responded by targeting Ukrainian cities with difficult-to-intercept ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones.

Meanwhile, Moldovan President Maia Sandu stated on Saturday that the war is "dangerously reaching" her country following a series of airspace incursions. She condemned Russia's attack and noted that five Russian air attack weapons, including Banderol missiles and drones, violated Moldovan airspace and exploded on its territory.

Ukraine's air force reported that Russia launched Banderol cruise missiles overnight toward the Odesa region, which shares a land border with Moldova. Banderol munitions are described as low-cost, jet-powered loitering munitions designed to hover over an area, seek targets, and detonate upon impact.

Separately, Ukrainian drones struck the city of Kaluga in western Russia overnight, causing damage to apartment buildings, according to regional Governor Vladislav Shapsha. He reported that 13 drones were shot down over the region during the night, but did not immediately provide casualty figures.