Russia struck Kiev’s Pivnichenyi (North) Bridge on October 3, injuring two people, damaging the road surface and trolleybus overhead lines, and causing traffic congestion. Kiev Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko stated that the strike severed connections across the Dnipro River and left traffic heading from the left bank to the right bank closed. The attacks cut road, rail, and trolleybus links across the wide river. Klitschko noted that Moscow has increased strikes on critical infrastructure in the capital, stating, “the enemy is tearing Kiev apart.”
Vitaliy Klitschko Announces North Bridge Closure After Drone Strike
The October 3 strike on the Pivnichenyi (North) Bridge left two people injured, with one treated at the scene and the other hospitalized for outpatient care. The explosion damaged the roadway and overhead trolleybus power lines, prompting emergency crews to deploy to the site. The bridge closure halted traffic traveling from the left bank to the right bank of the capital. The North and South bridges connect the eastern and western parts of the capital and had not been subject to any attacks until Thursday. Russia’s Ministry of Defense stated the bridge was used for logistics and the transfer of military units.
Russian Drones Target Pivdennyi Bridge Repeatedly Throughout the Week
Prior to the North Bridge strike, Russia targeted the Pivdennyi (South) Bridge repeatedly with uncrewed aerial vehicles throughout the week of October 2, including a strike on Friday. The recurring drone attacks on the city’s second major bridge disrupted public transportation, forced passengers to inhale dust entering train ventilation systems during explosions, and triggered a crisis meeting of the Kiev defense council on Friday. Russian authorities stated that the strikes hit bridges used to transport Ukrainian troops and military supplies. Attacks on the South Bridge since Thursday caused major transport disruptions, including the suspension of vehicle and metro traffic.
Putin Justifies Strikes as Retaliation
Vladimir Putin stated on Thursday that Russian strikes on economic targets were a direct response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian ships in the Black Sea and oil refineries. Ukraine argues that attacking Russian oil infrastructure is necessary because it helps the Kremlin finance the war. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the Financial Times that Russians are carrying out massacres and mass attacks because they failed to occupy the country, adding that they want to destroy schools, universities, hospitals, and data centers so “people flee their cities.”
TÜBA Condemns Strike on Ukrainian National Academy’s Presidency Building
The Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA) issued a statement condemning a September 28, 2026, drone strike that hit the Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences (Ukraine NAS) Presidency building in Kiev. The attack killed two people, injured others, and caused heavy damage to the historic structure. TÜBA emphasized that war conditions do not excuse violations of international humanitarian law protecting civilian and scientific structures. TÜBA noted that the two academies work together under the European Alliance of Academies (ALLEA), contribute to European scientific consultancy, and meet during the heads of science academies meetings of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC). TÜBA stated, “the building hit in Kiev is therefore our common roof.”
Arda Turan Recounts Shelter Descents Amid Kiev Bombardments
Arda Turan described descending into a shelter with 10 to 12 players during a major attack in Kiev in August. Turan noted that players wanted to return to the pitch the following day despite the explosions, adding that dealing with ongoing bombardments has become part of daily life under wartime conditions. In November 2025, before a Conference League match against Shamrock Rovers, Turan said, “people continue to live while bombs explode, and rockets and drones fly.” He specifically mentioned that life is very difficult for children, who should be imagining Mars or other planets instead of thinking about war.
Turan also criticized the Ukrainian Football Federation, noting that the team cannot rest sufficiently due to long journeys to matches. He noted that Shakhtar, unable to play in its own city of Donetsk since 2014, continues to play home matches in different cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What damage did the October 3 strike cause to the North Bridge?
The strike damaged the road surface and trolleybus overhead lines on the Pivnichenyi (North) Bridge, injuring two people and closing traffic from the left bank to the right bank.
When did TÜBA respond to the Ukraine NAS building attack?
The Turkish Academy of Sciences released its statement condemning the September 28, 2026, drone strike on the Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences Presidency building.
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