Kyiv warned of more Russian strikes after bridge hit

Russia warned diplomats and foreigners to leave Kyiv on Saturday, saying the Ukrainian capital faced new massive air attacks hours after a Russian strike hit another major bridge in the city.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the Saturday morning strike on the Northern Bridge wounded two people and damaged the road surface and trolleybus overhead wires, restricting traffic. AFP reporters saw traces of an explosion on a pedestrian walkway and technicians repairing power lines on the bridge.

Hours later, Russia's foreign ministry issued a fresh call for diplomats and foreigners to leave Kyiv and refrain from visiting Ukraine.

“We note with concern that not everyone has heeded these warnings, and that individuals are knowingly exposing themselves to mortal danger,” the ministry said. It said responsibility for any negative consequences would rest with those who ignored the warning.

Moscow issued a similar warning in May, but leaders from countries backing Ukraine have travelled to Kyiv in shows of support.

Kyiv has faced increased aerial bombardment in recent months, with attacks and alerts disrupting daily life and traffic. Officials shut the Southern Bridge, one of the capital's main crossings, after earlier strikes, and movement on another bridge was also restricted Friday.

Klitschko said Friday that the city was in a “very dramatic situation” and should be on a war footing as strikes hit bridges and energy infrastructure.

President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of sanctioning massive attacks on civilian areas, an accusation the Kremlin has rejected.

Recent strikes across Ukraine have also caused power outages in several eastern, northern and central regions, with grid operator Ukrenergo urging consumers to limit usage as colder weather raises demand.