Brief
Kyiv mayor warns intensified Russian strikes are tearing the capital apart
Klitschko described the latest wave of attacks on Kyiv's bridges and a residential building as a fight for survival.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Mayor Vitalii Klitschko told a defence council meeting on Friday that Kyiv was facing a "survival" fight as Russian strikes intensified, targeting the city’s key bridges and infrastructure. He said Russia’s aim was to "sow panic" and that the capital would only prevail through the joint efforts of those who love it.
The Pivdennyi (Southern) bridge was hit overnight by a drone and struck again on Friday evening – the fourth hit in two days – halting all metro and automobile traffic across it. Restrictions now cover Kyiv’s two other major bridges, causing major delays.
One person was killed when a multi‑storey residential building was hit, according to the State Emergencies Service (DSNS). President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking to the Financial Times, said Putin decided in early September that "there are no rules now" and that Russia is trying to destroy bridges, data centres, hospitals and schools to force people to flee.
Putin, in a speech at the Valdai forum, claimed Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian economic targets were a direct response to Kyiv’s strikes on Russian oil refineries and Black Sea shipping, noting Russia lost about 1% of its GDP.
Key facts
- Kyiv's Southern bridge was hit by a drone overnight and struck again on Friday, the fourth strike in two days. (bbc.co.uk)
- All metro and automobile traffic across the Southern bridge has been suspended, with restrictions on two other key bridges. (bbc.co.uk)
- One person was killed when a multi‑storey residential building was hit, according to the State Emergencies Service. (bbc.co.uk)
- Mayor Klitschko said Russia's aim is to "sow panic" and that Kyiv will prevail only through joint effort. (bbc.co.uk)
- President Zelensky said Putin decided there are "no rules now" and that Russia wants to destroy bridges, data centres, hospitals and schools. (bbc.co.uk)
- Putin claimed Russia's attacks on Ukrainian economic targets were retaliation for Kyiv's strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, noting a 1% GDP loss. (bbc.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] bbc.co.uk — originally reported as “Intensified Russian strikes are tearing Kyiv apart, Klitschko warns”
