Russian drones strike Kyiv's Southern Bridge: How dangerous is the damage?

Russian drones struck Kyiv's Pivdennyi (Southern) Bridge on October 1-2, marking the first such attack on a Dnipro River bridge in the war, prompting its closure to traffic. At least three drones hit the structure, damaging supports, roadways, and metro line barriers. The bridge is critical for Kyiv and Ukraine, carrying major vehicle transit and the only metro line crossing the Dnipro during air alerts. Its cable-stayed design features 144 steel cables, each with a 350-ton breaking strength, though experts say a few damaged cables wouldn't cause collapse. Analysts suggest drones may target cables using new cumulative-cutting warheads, but experts note the bridge has significant structural reserves. Repairs could be difficult as replacement cables were originally sourced abroad, though temporary support arches could maintain functionality.