Russia escalates Kyiv infrastructure strikes as U.S. pushes for peace talks

Russia has pledged to intensify strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities after a drone attack damaged the capital’s key Northern Bridge over the weekend, escalating attacks on infrastructure ahead of winter. Russian forces have recently targeted data centers, telecommunications and energy facilities to disrupt daily life and force power cuts. The Saturday drone strike injured two people and suspended traffic, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, shortly after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged 1 billion euros in military aid. Russia’s Defense Ministry said the bridge supports troop transfers and military logistics, and blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the strikes. Zelenskyy vowed to retaliate against Russian oil refineries, while the U.S. proposed trilateral talks by late October, which Ukraine welcomed.