Politics

Zelensky tasks PM with creating free transportation program in Kyiv as Russia's bridge attacks hinder travel

• 2 min read
Zelensky tasks PM with creating free transportation program in Kyiv as Russia's bridge attacks hinder travel
People cross the Southern Bridge over the Dnipro River on foot after a Russian missile strike damaged the bridge in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Oct. 27, 2026. (Viacheslav Ratynskyi/The Kyiv Independent)

President Volodymyr Zelensky asked Prime Minister Serhii Koretsyi on Nov. 8 to create a free overground transportation program that will facilitate travel in the event of metro disruptions and bridge closures caused by Russian attacks.

According to the president's advisor, Dmytro Lytvyn, the plan's details could be presented as soon as tomorrow.

Moving around Kyiv has become increasingly difficult as Russian missiles have begun targeting bridges connecting the capital's two banks across the Dnipro river.

The Northern Bridge was once again struck in overnight on Nov. 6-7 as Russia launched 36 ballistic missiles at Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast, Zelensky said.

"The necessary number of vehicles and the reorganization of traffic in certain parts of Kyiv are currently being worked out," Zelensky said on social media.

Since early October, Russia has been targeting bridges to severely disrupt civilian travel and freight transportation. On numerous occasions, people have been seen crossing bridges on foot as structural damage and constant air raid alerts shut down vehicle and train transportation.

The president also met with heads of regional administration for a report on their urgent needs amid incessant Russian attacks.

Kharkiv, a city the president has praised on numerous occasions for its wartime organization, is one of the few cities offering free-of-charge transportation. Zelensky has applauded Kharkiv's winter preparations when criticizing those of Kyiv's administration, led by mayor Vitali Klitschko.

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Yevgeniya Doluda

Yevgeniya Doluda is a reporter at the Kyiv Independent. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism, politics, and history from City St. George’s University of London. Yevgeniya previously worked and volunteered with non-profit organizations in Europe and had her work published in RTL. In addition to Ukrainian, she also speaks Spanish and French.

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