Russia targets Kyiv's Dnipro bridges, disrupting key transport links

Russia intensified attacks on Kyiv's Dnipro River bridges, striking the Southern Bridge on October 1-2 and the Northern Bridge on October 3, disrupting key transport links and causing severe traffic congestion in the Ukrainian capital. The bridges are vital because they connect Kyiv's eastern and western banks, with over one-third of the city's three million residents living east of the river and about 500,000 people crossing daily. Moscow claims the crossings move Ukrainian troops and equipment, though experts say the weapons used appear aimed at disrupting traffic rather than destroying the structures. The strikes damaged road, metro, and trolleybus infrastructure, forcing restrictions and prompting authorities to consider pontoon crossings. Ukrainian officials view the attacks as part of Russia's broader campaign to pressure major cities by complicating daily life and supply routes.