Russia destroys bridges in Zatoka and Mayaki: passage of citizens across the Ukrainian-Moldovan border is complicated

Southern Ukraine is once again facing pressure: strikes on bridges in Zatoka and Mayaky have disrupted logistics, hampered the movement of citizens and created difficulties on the Ukrainian-Moldovan border. We have analysed why Russia is carrying out these strikes, how they are affecting transport, port operations, postal deliveries and life in the region, and what alternative routes and solutions are currently available. Find out what is happening at the border, which checkpoints are operating and how Ukrainians can plan their trips more safely

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Russian troops continue to deliberately target critical infrastructure in southern Ukraine. Bridges in the Odesa region, which connect the region's transport routes and lead to the border with Moldova, have been hit. This has significantly complicated logistics and the movement of citizens, as well as creating difficulties at checkpoints.

Attacks on bridges in Mayaky and Zatoka: consequences

On 14 December, Russian troops attacked a bridge in Zatoka, launching about 40 Shahed-type strike UAVs at the facility, of which, according to sources, about half hit their target. On 18 December, there was another strike on the bridge in Mayaky. A day later, the Odesa Regional Military Administration reported a temporary suspension of traffic on the M-15 Odesa-Reni motorway in both directions. Rescue and utility services are working at the site.

The State Border Service of Ukraine specified that damage to infrastructure near the village of Mayaky significantly complicated access to checkpoints:

‘Palanka – Mayaky – Udobnoe’, ‘Reni – Giurgiulești’, ‘Tabaki – Mirne’, ‘Vinogradivka – Vulcanesti’, ‘Starokozatske – Tudor’, ‘Novi Troiany – Chadyr-Lunga’, ‘Orlivka – Isakcha’, ‘Dolynske’, ‘Zaliznychne’, “Lisove”, ‘Maloyaroslavets’.

State Border Service spokesman Andriy Demchenko noted that there is no critical situation at the border yet, but citizens are advised to use alternative routes through checkpoints in Vinnytsia and Chernivtsi regions – Podilskyi – Mohyliv-Podilskyi and Mamalyga – Sokyryany – whenever possible.

The situation on the southern border remains tense. On 19 December, Russian troops again struck the Mayakiv area, this time with a ballistic missile.

Why is Russia attacking bridges?

These are strategically important transport hubs that provide connections within the Odesa region and access to the border with Moldova and logistics on the Danube. According to military experts, the strikes are aimed at disrupting logistics and the operation of ports in the southern part of the region, which continue to function and support Ukrainian exports.

Serhiy Beskrestnov (‘Flash’), an expert on electronic warfare, notes that Ukraine is forced to use ferry crossings in such conditions, but they are also vulnerable to attacks.

Representatives of the Southern Defence Forces emphasise that bridges are civilian objects and part of international transport corridors. Strikes against them are a terrorist tactic that violates international humanitarian law.

Military expert Serhiy Bratchuk adds that Russia is trying to put psychological pressure on the inhabitants of the southern regions: first, by striking at the energy sector, then at the transport infrastructure, with the aim of causing panic and negativity towards the authorities. However, according to him, the Russian Federation will not achieve strategic results with such attacks.

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Attacks intensify amid negotiations

The attacks on bridges are taking place in parallel with Russia's diplomatic pressure and efforts to destabilise the situation within Ukraine. According to sources at RBC-Ukraine, the strikes on the bridge in Mayaky are directly linked to the desire to disrupt the operation of ports and transport routes used for Ukrainian exports.

At the same time, from a military point of view, the destruction of bridges does not give the Russians any advantage on the front line. It is solely an attempt to disrupt civilian life and hit the economy and the psychological state of the people.

How this affects life in the region

The strikes on the bridges have already led to logistical delays. Ukrposhta has warned of possible delivery disruptions to and from the towns of Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, Reni, Izmail and neighbouring areas.

However, post offices continue to operate as usual, and pension payments and social assistance programmes, including Winter Support, are being carried out according to schedule — the company has activated reserve routes and delivery mechanisms.

Given the damaged sections of roads, temporary restrictions and unstable situation in certain areas, many citizens now find it more difficult to plan trips to the border or between cities in the region on their own. In such conditions, more and more people are choosing organised trips and transfers with professional carriers — this reduces stress, saves time and helps to get there safely even when routes change.

Visit Ukraine provides convenient and reliable transfers throughout Ukraine and to neighbouring countries, including destinations to the Moldovan border and further to Europe.

Reminder! Ukraine ranks second among the most dangerous countries in the world according to the Global Peace Index 2025. The rating has already sparked heated debate, as Ukraine has been recognised as less safe than countries with active civil wars. We explain how this index is formed and what really lies behind these figures.

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