Russian attacks paralyze traffic in Kiev; Zelensky criticizes the West

Um ataque russo atingiu pontos estratégicos de Kiev e provocou danos em um edifício residencial, além de paralisar o tráfego em várias pontes da cidade, segundo a ANSA. Autoridades locais informaram uma vítima fatal e medidas de restrição ao transporte público deixam a circulação em colapso.

The attack and damages in Kiev

In the early hours, a Russian attack struck a 25-story residential building in the Darnytskyi neighborhood of Kiev, causing partial collapses and damage that led to confirmation of one death, according to a statement cited by ANSA. Investigations by Ukrainian authorities into the number of victims and the condition of occupants remain ongoing.

Besides the residential building, windows and façades of a non-residential property were damaged and several cars were destroyed during the explosions, according to local reports compiled by ANSA. Emergency teams worked at the scene to rescue potential injured and assess structural risks, the municipal administration said via official channels.

(For context on international repercussions and coverage of the war in Europe, see also our section Italy News.)

Impact on transportation and Zelensky's statements

The next morning, Kiev was again targeted and the Southern Bridge (Ponte Sul), already attacked the day before, was hit again, according to ANSA. The municipal administration announced via Telegram that traffic was temporarily limited at several points: the Southern Bridge is closed in both directions and the bridge serving the metro line was closed toward the right bank. These measures were adopted for safety reasons and to allow structural inspections.

The closure of one of the city’s main access points over the Dnieper, combined with restrictions on other segments, left urban traffic in a state of collapse, affecting bus flows and public transport services. Local authorities directed alternative routes and warned of significant delays in residents’ daily commutes.

President Volodymyr Zelensky reacted to the offensives and criticized Western allies, stating that the United States and the European Union "are not doing enough" to deter the Russian escalation, according to ANSA. Zelensky also said that "Putin gave orders not to follow the rules of war anymore," a claim that aims to reinforce calls for military support and stricter sanctions against Moscow.

The disruptions and damage to transport infrastructure exacerbate the city’s already fragile urban logistics and directly impact civilian mobility and the movement of essential services, including medical response and supply.

(Readers interested in civil and administrative implications can consult our pieces in Life in Italy and on the Italian Citizenship page for news related to the impact of conflicts on immigrant communities.)

Current situation and next steps

Emergency authorities continue search and rescue operations in the Darnytskyi neighborhood, and engineering teams are conducting inspections on the affected bridges. The municipal administration said that full traffic restoration will depend on the results of these inspections and any necessary structural repairs, according to ANSA.

The Ukrainian government has reiterated calls for greater international assistance to bolster defenses and repair critical infrastructures. Urban logistics experts consulted by international outlets note that repeated attacks on bridges and transport routes may have a prolonged impact on the city’s economy and daily life.

"Traffic was temporarily limited on several bridges; the Southern Bridge is closed in both directions," the Kiev municipal administration announced via Telegram, according to ANSA.

Conclusion The Russian attacks in Kiev left at least one person dead, damaged a residential building, and paralyzed major road links in the city, amplifying the humanitarian and logistical crisis. Zelensky’s criticisms of the West add diplomatic pressure on the US and EU, while local authorities work to restore safety and urban mobility.

Source: ANSA