**Russian Air Strikes Target Southern Bridge in Kyiv Again, Mayor Reports**
Kyiv, Ukraine – The Southern Bridge in Kyiv has once again come under attack from Russian air strikes, as confirmed by Mayor Vitali Klitschko via a Telegram message on Friday. This incident marks a continuation of the ongoing conflict, with Russian forces conducting near-daily aerial assaults on various locations across Ukraine.
On Thursday, the situation escalated when Russian drones struck not only the Southern Bridge, which spans the Dnipro River, but also a school in the capital. The attacks resulted in significant fires and damage within the city, further exacerbating the already tense atmosphere in Kyiv.
In response to the air strikes, local authorities announced the closure of traffic across the Southern Bridge and the nearby Paton Bridge in both directions. Drivers are being redirected to alternative routes as emergency services respond to the aftermath of the attacks.
Mayor Klitschko reported that the strikes caused a fire in the upper floors of an apartment building, in addition to the damage inflicted on the Southern Bridge and other parts of the city. The ongoing bombardments have raised concerns about civilian safety and the resilience of urban infrastructure in Kyiv.
Meanwhile, the conflict has also seen retaliatory actions from Ukraine. Ukrainian drones targeted industrial facilities in Volgograd, Russia, where a large oil refinery is located. This attack resulted in a fire and injuries to at least one individual after an apartment building was hit.
The ongoing strikes have had significant economic repercussions, as highlighted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who stated that Ukraine's attacks on oil refineries have cost Russia approximately 1% of its gross domestic product. The damage has led to long lines forming at gas stations in Russia, as citizens scramble to refuel their vehicles amid the uncertainty.
As the conflict continues, both sides remain engaged in a cycle of attacks that have devastating impacts on civilians and infrastructure. The situation in Kyiv and other affected areas remains fluid, with authorities working to assess damage and provide support to those impacted by the violence.
The international community continues to monitor the developments closely, with calls for a resolution to the ongoing conflict and a return to peace in the region.