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Ukraine: Russian attack on the bridges of kyiv, controversy over the F-16 and tensions with South Korea

Quick Look

This Friday, October 2, 2026, Russian forces attacked by drone a bridge over the Dnieper in kyiv, causing its closure and massive traffic jams, while Ukraine denies the Wall Street Journal's allegations on the unavailability of its F-16s and South Korea demands an official apology regarding the transfer of captured North Korean soldiers.

AI-generated summary

Why It Matters

The conflict in Ukraine has lasted since day 1,682, more than four and a half years, with frequent Russian attacks on urban infrastructure and persistent diplomatic tensions with third countries such as South Korea over the fate of captured North Korean soldiers.

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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 Friday, October 2, 2026, on the 1,682nd day of the conflict.

Fact of the day

More effective than cork guns, here is the road thrombosis strategy. The Russians sowed chaos this Friday in the Ukrainian capital, attacking with drones, for the second night in a row, a bridge spanning the Dnieper. The South Bridge had to completely close to traffic, the measure causing massive traffic jams. Especially since it is also used for passing the metro. Traffic was also limited on two other bridges in kyiv, which has eight, essential for the movement of its 3 million inhabitants.

“The capital is in an extremely dramatic situation and it is no longer possible to pretend that we can live today as in times of peace! The enemy is sacking kyiv,” Vitali Klitschko, the ex-boxer mayor of the capital, wrote on Telegram, visibly knocked out.

Today's statement

“Ukraine intensively uses its F-16 fleet in difficult conditions (...) Recent publications alleging a catastrophically low aircraft availability rate and excessively long maintenance times are simply false”

This clarification comes after an article in the American newspaper the Wall Street Journal. He said Tuesday that the "majority" of the American-made F-16s that Ukraine is using against Russian air attacks are currently out of service because they are waiting to pass a mandatory inspection after 300 hours of flight, to be carried out by a Belgian company, Sabena Aerospace Engineering.

The number of the day

100, at least. The number of Russian drones which, according to the Ukrainian army, were launched into the country this Friday, including 50 “jet”, the most difficult to shoot down.

The trend

She is still waiting for an apology from Volodymyr Zelensky. South Korea has not been angry since the Ukrainian president revealed at the UN that two North Korean soldiers, captured by his troops in the Kursk region in the summer of 2025, had been transferred to Seoul. A diplomatic secret revealed and still not digested

Our file on the war in Ukraine

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung warned on Friday that Seoul will take “action” if Ukraine refuses to issue a formal apology. “This is an issue that affects the dignity of the Republic of Korea and its people, and cannot be ignored,” he added, without detailing the planned measures.

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

South Korea will impose sanctions or take diplomatic action if Ukraine does not issue a formal apology within a week.
Likely · Within days
Repairs to the South Bridge will take several days, prolonging traffic jams in kyiv.
Very likely · Within days

Open Questions

What exact steps is South Korea considering if Ukraine does not apologize?
How long will the closure of the South Bridge last and what will be its impact on civilians?
Will Ukraine be able to maintain the operability of its F-16 fleet despite the intensity of the fighting?