Russian forces may intensify their attacks on bridges across the Dnipro and on critical infrastructure in major Ukrainian cities if a ceasefire cannot be agreed upon in the coming months. Denis Yaroslavsky, an officer with the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Assault Troops Command, has warned of a threat to Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa, where strikes on the energy sector, transport links and public utilities could make life significantly more difficult for the population this winter. Meanwhile, Ukrainian intelligence has already reported that Russia is preparing new attacks on bridges across the Dnipro and on civilian infrastructure.
Russia is attempting to disrupt transport links between the banks of the Dnieper
According to Yaroslavsky’s assessment, the bridges across the Dnipro could become one of the Russian army’s targets. Damage to them could cause serious transport problems, particularly in Kyiv, where daily travel between the two banks depends on the operation of several major crossings.
The military official had previously warned that Russia could simultaneously attack transport, energy and public utility infrastructure. In his view, such strikes are aimed not only at disrupting logistics, but also at worsening living conditions for the civilian population.
On 16 October, Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the Russian General Staff, publicly announced strikes on strategic bridges and energy infrastructure in Ukraine, in accordance with the plans of the Russian military command.
However, there is currently no specific order from Gerasimov regarding the destruction of all bridges across the Dnieper in publicly available, verified sources.
Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa may come under intensified attacks this winter
Yaroslavsky also warned of the risk of widespread disruptions to electricity, heating and water supplies in major Ukrainian cities. In his view, should the war continue, Russia will seek to step up the pressure on civilian infrastructure.
He considers the winter period to be particularly dangerous, as prolonged power and heating cuts can have far more serious consequences.
At the same time, this is an assessment of how events might unfold, rather than a confirmed forecast. Previously, the Centre for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defence Council had warned against making categorical statements about an inevitable collapse of public services in Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa.
Zelenskyy has confirmed that Russia is preparing new attacks on bridges
On 6 November, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian intelligence had received information that Russia was preparing a new attack on the energy sector, bridges across the Dnipro and civilian infrastructure.
In a statement on 9 November, the Head of State said that Russian troops were attempting to disrupt transport links between the banks of the Dnieper and to make everyday life as difficult as possible for Ukrainians.
Against the backdrop of these threats, the Ukrainian authorities are drawing up contingency transport plans. In particular, there are plans in Kyiv to establish additional crossings that will enable transport links between the two banks to be maintained should the main bridges be damaged.
