Russia Strikes Kyiv's Northern Bridge, Warns Diplomats to Leave

Russia struck Kyiv's Northern Bridge early Saturday, damaging the road surface and trolleybus cables and suspending traffic, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

This marks the second major bridge in the capital to be hit by Russian forces in recent days, following multiple attacks on the Southern Bridge. Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed responsibility for the Northern Bridge strike, stating it is used to facilitate troop movements and the logistics of military cargo deliveries for Ukraine's armed forces. Two people were injured in the Saturday strike, with one hospitalized.

The intensified strikes on infrastructure have disrupted life for Kyiv's approximately three million residents, causing traffic jams and prompting concerns that the tactic could effectively cut the city in two. In parallel, Russia's Foreign Ministry issued a warning for foreign nationals and diplomats to leave Kyiv, stating that Moscow would continue targeted strikes on Ukrainian cities in response to what it called Ukrainian terrorist acts against Russian civilians and infrastructure.

The ministry warned that responsibility for any potential negative consequences rests entirely with those who ignore this warning. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of abandoning the rules of armed conflict by sanctioning massive attacks on civilian areas, an accusation the Kremlin has rejected. The war, which began over four-and-a-half years ago, has seen a recent escalation in aerial attacks, with Kyiv striking Russia's oil industry and businesses, while Moscow has used ballistic missiles and drones against Ukrainian cities. The President of Moldova stated that the war is dangerously reaching her country following airspace incursions.