Kyiv to spend $22 million on floating crossings as Russian bridge attacks intensify
Kyiv will allocate 1 billion hryvnias to construct water crossings over the Dnipro River after Russia stepped up missile strikes on the city’s bridges.
Kyiv’s municipal authorities have earmarked 1 billion hryvnias (about $22 million) for the construction of water-based crossings over the River Dnipro, which splits the capital. The plan, discussed by the city’s defence council, envisions pontoons, fords and other low-lying structures together with connecting access roads. Mayor Vitali Klitschko shared the proposal via Telegram but provided no further specifics.
The initiative follows a surge in Russian attacks on Kyiv’s logistics network, including missile hits on the South Bridge and drone strikes on other key spans. The city relies on six major bridges, and their damage has hampered movement for residents who commute across the river daily. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy labeled the recent bridge strike a serious escalation in the conflict.
Why it matters
Disruptions to Kyiv’s bridges threaten daily commutes and highlight the city’s need for alternative river crossings amid intensified Russian attacks.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth camps report Kyiv's $22 million plan for temporary river crossings after bridge attacks, but left-leaning coverage stresses commuter hardship and military oversight, while right-leaning coverage highlights municipal spending details and the president’s comment on escalation.
LEFT
Focuses on the disruption to residents and the military-coordinated response to restore crossings
RIGHT
Centers on the municipal budget allocation and the strategic description of the floating structures
The left emphasises
- commuters forced to walk for about half an hour
- city will fund 1 billion hryvnias for temporary, mobile river crossings
- site selection overseen by the military command
The right emphasises
- municipal authorities earmarked 1 billion hryvnias for water-based crossings
- plan envisions pontoons, fords and other low-lying structures
- President Zelenskiy called the bridge strike a serious escalation
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