Russian airstrikes target second major Kyiv bridge, intensifying attacks on Ukrainian capital infrastructure

Russian forces struck Kyiv's Northern Bridge across the Dnipro River, the second major crossing damaged in consecutive days following similar attacks on the Southern Bridge. The strikes caused significant traffic disruption and damage to road surfaces and public transportation infrastructure. The escalating campaign targeting critical infrastructure in Kyiv marks a shift in Russian military strategy in recent weeks.

The Dnipro River crossings are essential arteries connecting Kyiv's eastern and western districts. The Southern Bridge, a cable-stayed structure, had sustained multiple impacts since Thursday before Friday's concentrated drone campaign forced its closure. Officials restricted movement across additional crossings as authorities assessed structural integrity following the successive strikes. The Northern Bridge attack on Saturday continued this pattern of targeting these critical transit points within 24 hours.

The escalating strikes represent a tactical shift in Russia's approach to the conflict. For much of the war since the February 2022 invasion, Kyiv had largely avoided the intensive bombardment affecting frontline regions in the east. The recent focus on infrastructure rather than military targets suggests Moscow may be attempting to degrade the capital's functionality and civilian morale through systematic damage to essential services and transportation networks.