Russia Threatens To Use Massive 40 Kilogram Warhead Against Ukraine As War Escalation Fears Grow

A new Russian weapon may be turning Kiev's bridges into prime targets. As Moscow repeatedly strikes the Southern Bridge, the Institute for the Study of War says Russian forces could be adapting Garand drones with a 40-kilogram shape-charged warhead designed to hit reinforced steel and concrete. The Southern Bridge has come under repeated attack as Russia seeks to disrupt traffic across Kiev and potentially inflict cumulative damage. Ukrainian officials reported fresh strikes on October 2, after which the Southern and Paton Bridges were closed to traffic. The reported weapon could make those strikes far more damaging. Ukrainian Defense Technology Advisor Serhii Flashevskresnov said Russian forces used a 40-kilogram cumulative warhead on jet-powered Garand-type drones. ISW says shape charges focus explosive energy to penetrate hardened steel and concrete. But there is a major question mark. ISW says it cannot confirm that the new warhead was actually used against the Southern Bridge. Russian military bloggers have offered conflicting claims, some linking the weapon to the bridge strike, while others say it was used against power infrastructure. Still, ISW warns the technology could change Russia's infrastructure campaign. Repeated, precision strikes against vulnerable structural points could progressively damage targets that are difficult to destroy. The bridge attacks come amid a broader Russian aerial campaign, with Moscow saying it targets military-related infrastructure, while Ukrainian authorities report damage and disruption to civilian infrastructure.