In brief
Russia has intensified drone and missile attacks on two of Kyiv’s most important bridges, the Pivnichnyi (Northern) and Pivdennyi (Southern) bridges, hitting the former twice in a row and attacking the latter repeatedly earlier in the week. The latest strike came while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited the capital, underscoring the heightened security situation. BBC Ukraine correspondent Dan Johnson, standing beside one of the damaged bridges, reports that the attacks aim to disrupt traffic and sow uncertainty, though the defenders have avoided major casualties. Ukrainian authorities say the bridges remain operational after repairs, but the assaults have raised serious concerns about the resilience of critical infrastructure during the ongoing conflict. International observers note that continued targeting could signal a broader strategy of targeting symbolic and logistical nodes in Ukraine’s capital.
Russia has escalated drone and missile attacks on two of Kyiv’s most vital bridges, the Pivnichnyi (Northern) Bridge and the Pivdennyi (Southern) Bridge, over the past four days. The Northern Bridge was hit for the second consecutive day, while the Southern Bridge sustained multiple attacks earlier in the week.
The latest strike occurred while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv, adding a diplomatic spotlight to the growing tension in the city’s infrastructure.
BBC Ukraine correspondent Dan Johnson, standing near one of the damaged bridges, explains that the attacks aim to disrupt traffic and create uncertainty. He notes that although the bridges remain largely operational after repairs, the assaults have heightened concerns about the resilience of critical infrastructure amid the conflict.
International observers argue that the continued targeting of symbolic infrastructure could be part of a broader strategy to pressure Ukraine’s capital and undermine civilian confidence. In response, Ukrainian authorities emphasize the rapid repair and security measures to keep the bridges functional for residents and military logistics.
For a detailed analysis of the situation, see the full BBC report at BBC News.
