Large-Scale Russian Attack on Kyiv: Southern Bridge and Transport Infrastructure Hit
Russia attacked Kyiv in two waves overnight on 26–27 October with ballistic missiles and hundreds of drones. Ukrainian officials said the Southern Bridge and transport infrastructure were damaged and that the bridge was closed to traffic.
How the Attack Unfolded
According to the Kyiv Independent, the first wave came at about 9:45 p.m. local time and the second around 3:30 a.m. Ukraine’s Air Force said 257 aerial targets were neutralised, two of them ballistic missiles and 255 various drones. President Volodymyr Zelensky said 16 ballistic missiles and more than 280 drones were used overnight. The two figures measure different things: targets shot down versus targets launched.
What Was Hit
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the bridge and metro infrastructure were damaged and bridge traffic was fully suspended; metro service was disrupted for a time. Klitschko also reported damage to two medical facilities in the Dniprovskyi district and an administrative building in Podilskyi district. Buildings and dormitories of the State University of Trade and Economics were damaged. An Air Force spokesperson said repairing the damaged bridge deck would take time; no reopening date was given.
The State Emergency Service (DSNS) reported at least 1 death and 15 injuries, including a paramedic, a medical technician and a 20-year-old university student. Education Minister Andriy Butenko said no students or staff were killed at the university.
Why the Bridge Matters
The Southern Bridge is one of the main crossings between Kyiv’s two banks. Zelensky called the attack a serious escalation in Russia’s campaign against logistics infrastructure. The bridge was hit by drones earlier in October; this is the first reported direct ballistic-missile strike on it. Zelensky called for faster air-defence deliveries. We separately reported that Italy’s aid package, expected to include Aster 30 missiles, has been delayed (in Turkish).
Note
This report rests on statements by Ukrainian officials (Air Force, DSNS, Kyiv city administration, Zelensky) as relayed by the Kyiv Independent, UNITED24 and Interfax-Ukraine. It does not include the Russian side’s account; casualty and damage figures may change.
