Russian drones hit Kyiv bridges, forcing closures and traffic chaos

Russian aerial strikes have forced the closure or partial closure of multiple bridges across the Dnipro River in Kyiv, disrupting transport and daily life in the Ukrainian capital. The Pivdennyi (Southern) bridge, one of Kyiv's main transport arteries, has been struck repeatedly—hit four times within two days—with drones striking near its central support structure. Metro and automobile traffic across the bridge is now suspended, and restrictions are in place on two other key bridges, causing significant traffic delays across the city.

The strikes are part of a broader intensification of Russian aerial attacks on Kyiv's critical infrastructure. On October 1, Russian drones hit a school, damaging one of its walls but causing no casualties due to students and staff sheltering in place. The same day, drones targeted the Pivdennyi bridge as a metro train was crossing, with passengers describing dust from the blast entering their carriage through ventilation. Preliminary structural checks found no critical damage to the bridge itself, though authorities continue assessments.

Kyiv's mayor Vitaliy Klitschko described the city as being in a "very dramatic situation," stating that intensified strikes are "tearing Kyiv apart" by targeting critical infrastructure, logistics, housing, and key facilities. He warned the city faces a matter of "survival" and called for collective efforts from those committed to Kyiv's defence. A defence council crisis meeting was held on Friday following the latest attacks.

Russia has reportedly deployed new jet-powered drone designs with 40-kilogram warheads specifically engineered to destroy high-voltage pylons and bridge structures, according to Ukrainian officials. In September alone, Ukraine's air force reported at least 3,177 such drones were launched. Additionally, data centres have been hit, causing internet outages, and strikes on Wednesday marked Kyiv's first coordinated attacks on the energy grid since the end of last winter, prompting power cuts across the capital.

President Vladimir Putin said Russia's attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure were in response to Ukraine's strikes on Russian energy facilities and Black Sea assets, though Russia initiated such attacks first. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Putin decided in early September there were "no rules now" and accused Russia of attempting to destroy bridges, data centres, internet and mobile networks, hospitals, schools, and universities to force residents to flee. One civilian was killed when a residential building was struck overnight. Ukraine's Foreign Minister reported that four countries—the United States, India, Turkey, and Egypt—have separately proposed partial truces halting attacks on energy infrastructure and Black Sea shipping.