Russian attacks on bridges across the Dnipro have already disrupted transportation in Kyiv. Ukraine is restoring damaged crossings and considering temporary bridges, while the military warns of the consequences for the country’s supply. Former Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Ihor Romanenko spoke on November 12, 2026, about the Russian strategy and stated that Israeli satellite technologies expand the capabilities of Ukrainian strike drones.
Author: Editorial NANews
In early October, Russian strikes damaged Kyiv’s bridges. New attacks followed in November when the Ukrainian capital was already experiencing serious problems with electricity, water, and heating. On the night of November 7, Russian missiles again hit the Northern Bridge. According to Volodymyr Zelensky, six ballistic missiles were fired at the crossing, four of which reached their target.
Russia acknowledged the strike, stating that the bridge was used for transporting Ukrainian weapons and military equipment. Moscow did not provide independent confirmation of this explanation.
On November 6, Zelensky warned of intelligence data regarding preparations for attacks on energy, civilian infrastructure, and crossings over the Dnipro. Three days later, he convened the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Headquarters with the participation of the mayor of Kyiv, military leadership, and representatives of frontline regions — Kharkiv, Kherson, Dnipro, Sumy, and Donetsk regions.
The President directly stated Russia’s attempt to divide Ukraine along the Dnipro.
The bridge stands, but traffic is paralyzed
Destroying a capital bridge to the ground is not necessary, explained retired Lieutenant General Ihor Romanenko on November 12. It is enough to damage the supporting elements or the roadway to make operation dangerous and repairs prolonged.
This has already happened in Kyiv. On November 8, after inspecting the Northern Bridge, one lane was opened from the left bank to the right exclusively for passenger transport. Return traffic was allowed on two lanes, including passenger cars. Several bus routes resumed.
From November 9, city services began changing the transport scheme. A reversible lane was provided on the Paton Bridge: from 7:00 to 10:00 towards the right bank, from 16:00 to 20:00 — the left. At the same time, two lanes are constantly maintained in each direction.
Trucks are redirected from the approaches to the Northern Bridge to the Podilskyi crossing, and from the Southern to the Darnytskyi. For passenger cars and public transport on the Southern Bridge, no separate restrictions were introduced under the new scheme.
Why the Dnipro is so important
It is important for the Israeli reader to understand the geography of what is happening. The Dnipro crosses Ukraine from north to south, and Kyiv is located on both banks. Bridges connect the residential areas of the capital and are part of a broader transport system of the country.
Their damage complicates not only the daily commutes of residents. It is also about the movement of fuel, ammunition, military equipment, reinforcements, and civilian cargo.
On November 10, the Financial Times reported that Zelensky warned European partners about the risk of disrupting communication between the eastern and western parts of Ukraine.
Romanenko considers the attacks on bridges as a continuation of strikes on energy. In his assessment, Putin has moved from depleting Ukrainian infrastructure to systematically destroying living conditions in rear cities.
But transport restrictions do not yet mean the military division of Ukraine. Russian troops would need control over the relevant territories, not just damage to crossings.
Pontoon bridges and retaliatory strikes
Romanenko suggests creating temporary pontoon crossings in Kyiv in advance, even if they may not be used later. He acknowledges their vulnerability to air attacks but considers reserve communication necessary.
The general also advocates for retaliatory strikes on Russian bridges with strategic military significance. He mentioned previous attacks on crossings in the St. Petersburg area, although there is no independent confirmation of this specific claim. In the future, Romanenko expects the use of long-range drones and Ukrainian ballistic means.
Israeli connection: what is known about HiSKY
The most unexpected statement by Romanenko concerns Israel. The general claims that during problems with the American Starlink system, the Ukrainian side received a satellite alternative from the Israelis.
According to him, the technology is slower than Starlink, but it allows controlling drones over significant distances, distributing a group of 10–15 devices between several targets. He links this to the appearance of numerous fire outbreaks during strikes on Russian oil refineries.
The name of the equipment was not disclosed by the general.
Earlier, NANews investigated reports of Israeli HiSKY terminals on Ukrainian drones. The first detailed documented Russian statement appeared on October 29, and on November 6, photos of the SmartLITE SIRIUS 16×16 terminal spread.
Ukrainian specialist Serhiy Beskrestnov (‘Flash’) neither confirmed nor denied its use. The HiSKY manufacturer exists and produces equipment for satellite communication with mobile objects.
However, neither the origin of the photographed device nor its operation during a combat flight is independently confirmed. There is also no open evidence of the official supply of technology by the Israeli government.
For Israel, there is a fundamental difference between the products of an Israeli company and state military assistance. The presence of the first does not prove the second.
Romanenko does not rule out that such systems will expand the capabilities of Ukrainian strikes on Russian infrastructure. At the same time, he urges not to overestimate Russian plans: attempts to disrupt communication across the Dnipro do not yet mean that Moscow will succeed in dividing the country.