Russia Targets Bridges in Kyiv Amid Intensified Attacks, Says Mayor

As Moscow intensifies attacks on Kyiv and other cities, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has vowed to target Russian energy infrastructure. On Saturday, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine would continue to strike Russia's oil refineries in response to what he described as Moscow's new strategy of targeting major Ukrainian cities with intensive air strikes. Ukraine has accused the Kremlin of increasing attacks on civilian targets to force residents to evacuate urban areas before winter. In recent strikes, Russian forces have targeted two major bridges crossing the Dnipro River in Kyiv. In an interview with Reuters, Zelenskyy mentioned that Ukrainian intelligence had uncovered a 'new doctrine' from Russian President Vladimir Putin, which permits attacks on infrastructure, including logistics, roads, schools, and hospitals, to pressure civilians to leave cities. Zelenskyy emphasized that Kyiv would respond, particularly against oil refiners that fund the war, but would avoid targeting civilian objects. This week marks the first instance of Moscow targeting the bridges across the Dnipro River connecting east and west Kyiv. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that the Northern Bridge was struck by Russian air forces, resulting in two injuries and damage to the road surface and trolleybus wires. Klitschko noted that traffic across the bridge was blocked. Additionally, Kyiv's Southern Bridge has been hit multiple times by Russian drone strikes, causing significant traffic disruptions. A total of eight bridges connect Kyiv's western and eastern banks along the Dnipro River. Russia's Foreign Ministry warned foreign diplomats and nationals in Kyiv to evacuate, stating that individuals are knowingly exposing themselves to danger. The ministry indicated that the Russian Armed Forces would continue to conduct massive retaliatory strikes, placing responsibility for any consequences on those who ignore the warning. Following its February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russia has frequently targeted Kyiv with overnight drone attacks, while denying systematic targeting of civilians. Moldovan President Maia Sandu condemned the latest Russian attack on Kyiv, highlighting a violation of her country's airspace. Sandu stated that five Russian air attack weapons, including missiles and drones, violated Moldovan airspace and exploded on its territory, emphasizing the risk to lives across Europe. The Moldovan Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador and urged Moscow to prevent such incidents, as Moldova supports Ukraine and faces airspace violations due to Russian attacks. Russian forces are stationed in the Moldovan breakaway province of Transnistria, raising concerns about a potential invasion of Moldova following Ukraine.