Russian drone hits Zaporizhzhia bridge, injuring five including Red Cross workers
A Russian drone struck a bridge over the Dnipro River in Zaporizhzhia overnight, prompting its closure and causing injuries to five people, two of whom work for the Red Cross.
In an overnight raid on Oct. 6, a Russian drone struck an unnamed bridge spanning the Dnipro River in Zaporizhzhia, leading the city council to close the structure and reroute vehicles. Photographs show damage to the bridge deck, and five individuals were injured, including two members of the Red Cross who are now being treated. This attack adds to a pattern of Russian drone assaults on Ukrainian bridges, notably the Southern and Northern bridges in Kyiv that were hit between Oct. 1 and Oct. 4.
Ukrainian officials have linked the escalation to a new Russian doctrine that permits broader strikes on civilian infrastructure during the coming winter, aiming to pressure civilians to flee urban areas. President Vladimir Putin has overseen the intensified campaign, while President Volodymyr Zelensky cited intelligence on the doctrine shift. The incident underscores the ongoing vulnerability of Ukraine's transport links amid the conflict.
Why it matters
The strike highlights the expanding threat to Ukraine's civilian infrastructure and the risk to aid workers.
How this story developed
- Sep 20 Dozens of Ukrainian drones intercepted over Moscow and nearby region
- Oct 3 A Russian drone hit the Northern Bridge, stopping traffic on that crossing.
- Oct 4 Putin said the refinery strikes cost about 1% of Russia’s GDP.
- Oct 4 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv with Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and business delegates, pledging continued German support for Ukraine.
- Oct 4 Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Zelensky said Ukraine and Germany are already jointly producing drones, Ukraine will buy more weapons and equipment from Germany, and a drone‑unit programme in Germany has begun wi
- Oct 4 City officials reported at least 16 deaths and over 100 injuries from the recent wave of drone attacks.
- Oct 4 Merz announced a new German military assistance package and energy support during his Kyiv visit.
- Oct 4 Energy experts identified the U.S.–Iran war as the primary driver of the diesel shortage.
- Oct 4 Russian drone hit the Northern Bridge on Oct 4, marking the fourth consecutive day of bridge attacks.
- Oct 5 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv and announced a weapons donation.
- Oct 5 German delegation was headed by Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and German firms signed defence contracts with Ukraine.
- Oct 6 The raid reached the Volodarsk oil depot near Moscow, igniting a fire.
- Oct 6 A wave of Ukrainian drones hit the Moscow region overnight, killing a 71-year-old man and a 20-year-old man while injuring nine others.
- Oct 6 Moscow airports suspended flights throughout the night.
In this story
Related stories
12 in this thread