Russia is intensifying strikes on transport and energy infrastructure of Ukraine, trying to disrupt communication between the eastern and western parts of the country. According to the Ukrainian leadership, Moscow seeks to effectively divide Ukraine along the Dnieper, while complicating the supply of electricity to regions and the operation of the transport system.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said this on November 9. The Russian strategy of strikes on bridges and energy facilities is also reported by Financial Times.
According to Zelensky, Russian troops are carrying out a deliberate attack campaign, the main goal of which is to disrupt communication between the two banks of the Dnieper and create additional difficulties for the population.
Such tactics involve simultaneous destruction of transport crossings and energy infrastructure. Damage to bridges complicates automobile and rail transportation, while strikes on power grids and distribution equipment lead to electricity supply interruptions.
The President warned that Russian attacks are aimed not only at military logistics, but also at infrastructure that ensures the daily life of Ukrainians. Its disruption affects passenger transport, the activities of enterprises, utility services, and the availability of basic services.
This refers to Moscow's presumed strategic goals, not an actual division of Ukrainian territory. Transport communication between regions is maintained, although infrastructure damage already leads to traffic restrictions and additional logistical problems.
Russia increased strikes on bridges across the Dnieper
As early as November 6, Zelensky warned about intelligence regarding the preparation of new Russian attacks on energy, bridges across the Dnieper, and civilian infrastructure.
The head of state then emphasized that the Armed Forces and Air Forces of Ukraine are preparing to repel possible strikes, but effective defense requires additional interceptor missiles, primarily for Patriot systems.
Already on November 7, the President reported serious damage to the Northern Bridge in Kyiv after a Russian missile attack. As a result, traffic over the crossing had to be restricted, causing the need to revise the capital's transport schemes.
The consequences of this damage became particularly noticeable on the morning of November 9. As Kurs.com.ua previously reported, massive traffic jams occurred on the left bank of Kyiv in the direction of the right bank. Queues formed at public transport stops, and some residents tried to cross the Dnieper on foot.
To reduce the load on the transport system, Kyiv authorities began implementing reserve traffic schemes. The changes affected public transport routes and the organization of road communication between the banks.
Financial Times notes that prolonged strikes on bridge infrastructure could potentially significantly complicate cargo transportation, supplies, and the work of emergency services.
Preserving rail and road connections between regions is of particular importance. Disruption of transport links can increase transportation times, create additional load on alternative routes, and complicate the activities of enterprises.
At the same time, analysts interviewed by the publication believe that completely isolating the eastern part of Ukraine from the western will be difficult. However, even partial restriction of transport infrastructure operation can lead to serious logistical consequences.
Energy strikes amplify the impact of transport restrictions
In parallel with attacks on bridges, Russia continues to strike generation, transmission, and distribution facilities.
According to Zelensky, Russian tactics involve systematic damage to power grids and distribution infrastructure. Because of this, electricity supply restrictions occur in certain regions even when electricity production could cover a significant part of needs.
The President explained that the reason for the shortage in such cases is the inability to deliver the required amount of electricity to consumers through damaged networks.
Thus, strikes on energy infrastructure create problems not only for household electricity supply but also for transport, water supply, and heating systems.
The situation is complicated by repeated attacks, as energy workers have to restore equipment that has already been damaged.
In particular, on November 9, DTEK reported that over the weekend and Monday morning, Russian troops attacked about ten energy facilities in Dnipropetrovsk region.
According to the company, most of these facilities have already been shelled repeatedly. Energy workers continue restoration work, starting it after the security situation stabilizes.
As a result of new strikes on regional energy infrastructure, significant parts of Dnipro and Kamianske faced electricity supply interruptions. Outages also affected critical facilities.
Against the backdrop of power system damage, Ukrenergo warned that on November 10, hourly outage schedules of two to four stages will be in effect around the clock in some regions of Ukraine. Additional power restrictions are envisaged for industrial enterprises.
Thus, the consequences of Russian attacks already affect transport accessibility, business operations, and utility infrastructure in several regions of the country.
Ukraine attracts additional assistance for infrastructure restoration
Against the background of intensified Russian shelling, Ukrainian authorities are working to increase the number of repair crews and accelerate the restoration of damaged energy and transport facilities.
Earlier, Zelensky reported new agreements with Germany, Spain, Slovakia, and other partners on the supply of energy equipment needed for repairs and reserves.
The government is also considering additional support measures for energy workers, railway workers, and utility workers involved in restoring infrastructure after shelling.
A separate area remains the development of reserve power sources and distributed generation. This should increase the resilience of cities and individual critical infrastructure facilities to damage to large elements of the power system.
On November 9, Zelensky agreed with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the application of a special EU emergency assistance mechanism for Ukraine.
As the President's Office reported, the European side intends to promptly provide funds for the priority needs of Ukrainian cities and communities facing interruptions in electricity, water, and heating.
Zelensky noted that the most difficult situation is in Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, and Donetsk regions, as well as in Kherson.
During a European Commission briefing on November 9, its representative confirmed that European and Ukrainian teams are discussing specific needs and possible assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
This primarily concerns maintaining vital services, including providing electricity, water, and heat to the population during the winter period.
At the same time, specific funding amounts and the list of additional equipment are to be determined based on further consultations.
Kyiv urges partners to accelerate air defense supplies
Ukrainian leadership also continues negotiations with international partners on additional air defense means.
Zelensky has repeatedly stressed that one of the most acute issues is the timely delivery of interceptor missiles for Patriot systems.
According to the President, the shortage of appropriate munitions complicates the protection of energy and transport facilities from Russian ballistic missiles.
Given the heightened threats, the Ukrainian side primarily relies on the support of the United States, which has the necessary air defense capabilities.
In parallel, Ukraine and European partners continue diplomatic consultations on the possible cessation of strikes on civilian infrastructure.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on November 9 supported a ceasefire proposal that would apply to energy and food infrastructure.
Security issues and cessation of hostilities are also planned to be discussed during trilateral talks between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia, scheduled for November 10-11 in Abu Dhabi.
At the same time, there are no concrete agreements on stopping strikes on bridges and energy facilities yet. Ukraine continues restoration work and preparing infrastructure for further risks in the winter period.
