Kyiv's River Boat Plan Poses Air Raid Risks on the Dnipro

Kyiv authorities are considering using passenger boats to connect the city's riverbanks, but experts warn passengers would have no shelter if an air raid siren sounds while vessels are on the Dnipro River. The boats would travel near bridges that Russian forces have repeatedly targeted. The proposal came from lawmaker Volodymyr Kreydenko, but security experts highlight serious risks. Former deputy chief architect Viktor Hliba noted the Paton Bridge is in emergency condition, while ProMobility director Dmytro Bespalov stressed that passengers on water have nowhere to hide during attacks, especially since routes would pass by bridges that are prime targets. Navy reserve captain Pavlo Lakiychuk said water transport should only be used in extreme cases, warning that crowds gathering at piers create additional danger. He acknowledged boats have more maneuverability than buses on bridges, but said this reduces risk only slightly. River navigation in Kyiv is currently banned during martial law, requiring military approval for any resumption.