Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Russian Airstrikes Close Kyiv Bridges and Kill One Person
Russian drones attacked parts of Kyiv near the Dnipro River.
The Southern Bridge was hit, and another bridge was temporarily closed.
These bridges help many people travel between the two sides of the city.
Cars and metro trains could not use one bridge for a time, causing long lines.
One person died and two people were hurt in another drone attack that caused an apartment fire.
A school was also hit, but students were safe in a shelter.
Ukrainian officials believe the attacks may be part of a larger campaign against important infrastructure before winter.
Russia said the bridge and other sites it struck were being used for military purposes.
Ukraine is asking other countries for more air-defense missiles and ammunition.
Russian drones struck Kyiv’s Southern Bridge and forced temporary closures of two Dnipro crossings.
One person was killed and two injured in a separate drone strike that caused an apartment fire.
A school was hit, but pupils were unharmed because they were sheltering during the attack.
Traffic jams formed as cars and metro trains were barred from the Southern Bridge before crossings reopened around midday.
Ukraine said it needs Patriot interceptor missiles and ammunition for F-16s as Russia intensifies strikes before winter.
- Who
- Russian forces carried out the reported airstrikes; Ukrainian officials and Russia’s Defence Ministry provided statements.
- What
- Drones struck Kyiv bridges, a school, an apartment building and other infrastructure, causing one death, injuries and temporary transport disruptions.
- When
- The bridge strike occurred on Thursday, while the fatal Kyiv strike and bridge closures were reported on Friday, October 2.
- Where
- Kyiv, including the Southern Bridge and Paton Bridge over the Dnipro River, as well as sites in the surrounding region and Russia.
- Why
- Ukrainian officials linked the strikes to an intensified Russian air campaign against infrastructure before winter; Russia said its targets had military uses.
Ukrainian officials’ account
Russian Defence Ministry’s account
Purpose of the strikes
Ukrainian officials’ account
Ukraine said the attacks on bridges and sensitive infrastructure appeared linked to an expanded Russian air campaign before winter and could threaten transport, power and heating.
Russian Defence Ministry’s account
Russia said its drones hit a Kyiv bridge, a power station and other sites used for military purposes.
Air-defense needs
Ukrainian officials’ account
Ukraine said it needs at least 300 Patriot interceptor missiles and millions of rounds for F-16 cannons to defend against Russian missiles and fast drones.
Russian Defence Ministry’s account
Russia did not address Ukraine’s requests in the reported statements.
Strikes inside Russia
Ukrainian officials’ account
Ukraine’s military said Ukrainian drones targeted the Lukoil refinery in Volgograd and another oil facility in the Samara region.
Russian Defence Ministry’s account
The reported Russian statements did not provide a response to those Ukrainian claims.
- Fatalities and injuries
- One person was killed and two were injured in a Kyiv drone strike.
- Bridges affected
- The Southern Bridge and Paton Bridge were temporarily closed; traffic on another bridge was partially suspended.
- Traffic restoration
- Bridge traffic was restored by around midday, according to Reuters witnesses.
- School strike
- A school was hit, but pupils were unharmed because they were in a shelter.
- Commuting pattern
- About 500,000 people reportedly commute daily from Kyiv’s left bank to its right bank.
- Ukraine’s air-defense request
- Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Ukraine needs at least 300 Patriot interceptor missiles for minimum winter protection.
- Ammunition supply
- Poland, Belgium and Spain agreed to supply 20mm cannon rounds for Ukraine’s F-16 fighters.