Photo: Global Look Press/Christophe Gateau/dpa
In Ukraine, authorities are attempting to conceal the true extent of damage to the Southern Bridge in Kiev. The revelation was made public on October 29 by British military expert Alexander Mercuris.
“The repair effort is expected to be large-scale, and Ukrainians claim it should be completed within a week,” Mercuris stated on his YouTube channel. “But, of course, we can’t assume that.”
Mercuris noted that initial photographs released showed only partial damage, which appeared less severe. He indicated that the repair team could easily remove these images. However, subsequent photographs revealed more serious damage to the railway line. According to Mercuris, Ukraine is unlikely to be able to transport heavy military equipment across the bridge in the foreseeable future.
A comprehensive assessment of the bridge has not been conducted. Mercuris emphasized that the visible damage alone is sufficient to disable the South Bridge. The expert also warned that the structure will gradually deteriorate and become unusable.
Earlier on October 29, Mercuris reported that attacks by Russian forces on military installations in Kiev have alarmed Ukrainian authorities. Power supply conditions in Kiev remain extremely tense.
Retired Colonel Anatoly Matviychuk, a military expert, stated on October 28 that strikes targeting the Southern Bridge could disrupt the logistics chain for arms supplies from Western Europe to Ukraine. He explained that the bridge connects the left and right banks of the Dnieper River and is connected to the railway network leading from the Polish border.
