A new wave of attacks struck Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, damaging the second bridge over the Dnipro River. Vitali Klitschko, Kyiv's mayor, announced via Telegram that the attack targeted the "northern bridge," injuring two people. The road surface and tram power lines were severely damaged, forcing temporary closure of traffic from the left to right bank.
This follows multiple Russian drone strikes on the "southern bridge" last week, which led to its closure and severe traffic congestion for two consecutive days. These two bridges span the Dnipro River, connecting the western and eastern sides of the capital, home to about three million people. Many residents rely on the subway to cross, amid fears the ongoing attacks could split the city in two.
Kyiv's city defense council held an emergency meeting last Friday as the situation escalated. Mayor Klitschko warned that Kyiv faces a "very terrifying situation" due to Russia's focused destruction of infrastructure, logistics, and housing.
Russia stated its drones attacked both bridges because they serve as routes for transporting Ukrainian troops and equipment. It also urged foreign nationals, including diplomats, to leave Kyiv.
Experts assess that while Russian drones may not immediately collapse the bridges, repeated attacks will force closures and increase structural risks. If Russia uses more powerful weapons, some bridges—already weakened by heavy traffic beyond their original design—could potentially collapse.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian parliament members are discussing contingency plans to use ferries or temporary pontoon bridges to maintain city connectivity if main bridges are destroyed.
Russian President Vladimir Putin described the attacks on Ukraine's economic and infrastructure targets as retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries and ships in the Black Sea. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Russia for showing it "no longer abides by any rules" and is trying to destroy everything—from bridges, internet, and mobile networks to hospitals, schools, and universities—to force residents to flee the city.
Beyond Kyiv, violence was reported elsewhere on Saturday. In Odesa region, Ukrainian port authorities said one crew member of a civilian ship flying the Liberian flag died and three were injured in an attack on Ukraine's Black Sea port.
In Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, and Kyiv regions, local officials reported at least 12 people injured from overnight attacks. In Luhansk region, its Russian-appointed head reported two deaths and three injuries from Ukrainian drone strikes in occupied areas.
Neighboring Moldova summoned the Russian ambassador after detecting five Russian drones and missiles crossing its airspace and exploding near communities in four districts, with no reported injuries.