War in Ukraine: Russian strikes on the bridges of kyiv, Moldova alarmed, Russian military budget on the rise for 2027
Quick Look
- Russian strikes damaged kyiv's North Bridge days after the attack on the South Bridge, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
- Russia calls on foreigners to leave kyiv and plans to increase military spending in 2027.
- Moldova reports 81 violations involving Russian/Iranian missiles and drones since 2022.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
This is the 1,683rd day of the conflict in Ukraine, following the 2022 Russian invasion. kyiv's bridges are frequently targeted strategic infrastructure.
Did you miss the latest events on the war in Ukraine? 20 Minutes takes stock for you every evening. Here is the gist of this Saturday, October 3, 2026, on the 1,683rd day of the conflict.
Fact of the day
Russian strikes hit an important bridge in kyiv, the North Bridge, this Saturday, a few days after the attack on the South Bridge, announced the mayor of the Ukrainian capital, Vitali Klitschko.
According to the mayor, the road surface and trolleybus cables were damaged on the bridge, which was cut off to traffic. This is the second major bridge in kyiv to be attacked in recent days. Thursday and Friday, the South Bridge was hit by Russian drones, leading to its closure to traffic and gigantic traffic jams in the metropolis cut in two by the Dnieper River.
Today's statement
“Russian armed forces will continue to carry out massive retaliatory strikes” against “military targets in kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.” »
The Russian Foreign Ministry in a statement
Russia once again called on diplomats and foreigners in kyiv this Saturday to leave the city. Moscow has warned that its forces will continue to carry out attacks against the Ukrainian capital, which has been repeatedly targeted for weeks. Reiterating a similar call made in May, the Russian Foreign Ministry suggested in a statement that “foreign nationals and diplomats in kyiv should leave the city.”
The number of the day
81. This is the number of violations “involving Russian and Iranian-made missiles and drones” that Moldova recorded at the end of September since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, including 44 this year. Moldova summoned the Russian ambassador this Saturday after a new intrusion of missiles and drones from neighboring Ukraine at war.
In the latest incursion, five drones and missiles exploded near towns in Moldova, causing damage but no casualties, according to authorities. The Russian ambassador was summoned, for the second time in a few days, by the Foreign Ministry, which urged Moscow to prevent such incidents, according to a press release.
The trend
The Russian government plans to increase military spending in 2027, cut social spending and raise taxes as the cost of the war against Ukraine rises, budget documents show.
Our file on the war in Ukraine
According to what is known from the draft budget submitted to the Duma, the lower house of Parliament, the Russian government plans to spend a record sum of 17.1 trillion rubles (181 billion euros at the current rate) on defense in 2027, or 26% more than the amount planned in the budget for this year. This item will represent more than health, education and welfare combined, accounting for a third of total public spending.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Russia will continue to carry out massive retaliatory strikes against military targets in kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.
Very likely · Within weeks
The Russian government will increase military spending in 2027, cut social spending and raise taxes.
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What repairs are planned for the North and South bridges in kyiv?
- Will Moldova take additional military or diplomatic measures in the face of the intrusions?
- Will Russia's military budget of 17.1 trillion rubles for 2027 be adopted by the Duma?
