Russian attacks close two bridges in Kyiv
Following fresh attacks on the Southern Bridge and Paton Bridge, Kyiv diverted traffic.
There is news on this story (Saturday, 3 October 2026, 18:02): Russian attack damages bridge in Kyiv again
Follow-up to: Russian drones hit key bridge in Kyiv Thursday, 1 October 2026, 23:06
Russian airstrikes have again hit the Southern Bridge in Kyiv, according to Mayor Vitali Klitsjko. The Southern Bridge and Paton Bridge were subsequently closed in both directions, while traffic restrictions were in place on a third bridge.
The fresh attacks took place on Thursday night into Friday. According to Klitsjko, who shared the information via Telegram, the Southern Bridge was hit again. Reuters could not independently confirm the report, but said that authorities in Kyiv had restricted traffic over several bridges.
The Southern Bridge and Paton Bridge connect parts of Kyiv on either side of the Dnipro. The municipal authorities diverted traffic via alternative routes. Traffic towards the right bank was also temporarily restricted on Metro Bridge, the Ukrainian news site Ukrainska Pravda reported.
The closures came a day after Russian drones, according to Ukrainian authorities, hit a school and parts of the Southern Bridge. A fire broke out in an apartment block. No independent technical reports were available on Friday morning concerning the extent of the damage or the precise consequences for the structure of the bridges.
The bridges are of great importance for daily traffic in the capital. A prolonged closure could lengthen journey times and affect public transport, emergency services and the flow of goods. The municipality has not said how long the restrictions will last.
Russia and Ukraine carry out attacks with drones and missiles almost daily. Both sides publish their own information about targets and damage. Reports from war zones must therefore be distinguished from independently verified facts; in this case, it is chiefly established that Kyiv has taken traffic measures.
The fresh attack fits a pattern in which infrastructure in and around Kyiv is under pressure. It is not yet clear whether the bridges have suffered structural damage. For residents, the immediate consequence is chiefly that important connections are temporarily unavailable or only available on a limited basis.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Kyiv reported new damage to the Southern Bridge and temporarily closed several bridges.
- The attacks are taking place during the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
- Independent verification of damage and military claims is limited.
Left
Arguments This view holds that the attack underlines the humanitarian costs of the war and the need for diplomatic pressure, protection of civilians and continued support for Ukraine.
Values International law, civilian protection and solidarity with countries under attack.
Consequences Less support could make Ukraine more vulnerable and prolong the war; more military support carries a risk of escalation.
Centre
Arguments The emphasis is on supporting Ukraine within international agreements, combined with protecting critical infrastructure and keeping channels for negotiations open.
Values Reliability towards allies, proportionality and diplomacy.
Consequences A prolonged conflict remains costly, but a rushed agreement could undermine the security of Ukraine and Europe.
Right
Arguments According to this approach, Russia must be clearly deterred and Ukraine must be given sufficient means to defend its territory and infrastructure.
Values National sovereignty, security and deterrence.
Consequences Too little support could invite further Russian pressure; greater military involvement, however, increases the risk of direct confrontation.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The traffic measures and the attacks reported by Kyiv are broadly confirmed by Reuters and Ukrainska Pravda. Unconfirmed details about structural damage are explicitly described as uncertain.
- confirmed The Southern Bridge was hit again in a Russian airstrike. — Reported by the mayor of Kyiv and included by Reuters; independent visual material is limited. source
- confirmed The Southern Bridge and Paton Bridge were closed in both directions. — Reported by the authorities in Kyiv and published by Ukrainska Pravda. source
- confirmed Traffic restrictions were in place on Metro Bridge. — Mentioned in reports about the traffic diversion. source
- uncertain The bridges have suffered structural damage. — No independent technical report was available to support this. source
Editor's note
The traffic closures and the mayor's statements have been confirmed by multiple public sources. The precise damage and responsibility are based on wartime claims and have not been fully independently verified.Sources
The story so far
- Thursday, 1 October 2026, 23:06 Russian drones hit key bridge in Kyiv
- Friday, 2 October 2026, 09:01 Russian attacks close two bridges in Kyiv (this article)
- Saturday, 3 October 2026, 17:01 Russia again warns foreigners to leave Kyiv
- Saturday, 3 October 2026, 18:02 Russian attack damages bridge in Kyiv again
More on this in Dutch media
- de Volkskrant — „kyiv oekraïne”
- RTL Nieuws — „kyiv oekraïne”
- NOS — „kyiv oekraïne”