Russia destroyed a bridge near Odesa: thousands of people are trapped.

According to ТСН: As a result of the Russian attack and damage to the bridge in Mayaky, Odesa region, residents cannot travel from Odesa to Moldova and the southern part of the region.

Situation on the roads

Today, near the village of Mayaky, traffic on the Odesa–Reni highway has been halted. This road is the only alternative for access to the southern part of Odesa region, as the way through the Zatoka was closed earlier due to Russian shelling.

Attempts to circumvent restrictions

Local residents report that some people are trying to cross on foot through the destroyed bridge to get to Odesa and back. At the same time, 'dealers' have appeared, trying to take advantage of the situation by offering alternative routes.

“People cannot get to Odesa, everything is stuck on Starokozachyi... They consider detours through Kamianets-Podilskyi, with a wait of 3–4 days. They also offer to swim across the Dniester, for which they ask up to 10,000 UAH per person, gathering groups,” local social media posts say.

Border control

Border control has been intensified at the border with Moldova. It is recommended to use the crossing points in Vinnytsia region, as well as 'Mamaliga' and 'Sokyryany'. The transport flow is increasing at the 'Mohyliv-Podilskyi' checkpoint, but these points are located further north, which leads to increased distance, time, and costs for travel.

Route restrictions

Other routes remain inaccessible, as Ukraine closed the crossing points on the border with the unrecognized Transnistria back in 2022.

Expert opinion

Earlier, electronics and communication systems expert Serhii 'Flash' Beskrestnov expressed the opinion that the Russian army hits bridges in the Odesa region to cut off the southwestern part of the region from transportation.

Thus, the situation on the roads in the Odesa region remains difficult, especially for residents trying to leave the region or return to Odesa. Due to the lack of alternative routes and increased border control, people have to look for dangerous or expensive ways to travel. The challenges facing local residents reflect the general difficulties experienced by the population in a military conflict.