Heavy Snowfall Brings Kyiv to a Standstill: Worst-Affected Major Roads

Heavy Snowfall Brings Kyiv to a Standstill

According to Главком: A major winter storm has caused severe traffic paralysis in Kyiv. Heavy snowfall that began on February 15, 2026, combined with a nighttime temperature drop, led to icy conditions and a complete transport collapse on February 16. Significant traffic jams were recorded on the capital's main arteries, severely disrupting travel for drivers. This level of disruption highlights the city's ongoing challenges with severe winter weather.

Municipal equipment is operating on an intensified schedule to clear the aftermath of the storm. Despite these efforts, temporary restrictions on large and heavy-duty vehicles were imposed in Kyiv on February 15, further complicating the road situation. Mayor Vitali Klitschko personally inspected the work of snow-clearing machinery at the city's entrance from the Zhytomyr side to assess the scale of the problem.

Problem Areas and Recommendations

According to available data, the worst congestion is currently being experienced on:

• Ivana Vyhovsky Street, where drivers are losing up to 27 minutes;
• Stepan Bandera Avenue, where traffic toward the center is also heavily impeded;
• Soborna Street;
• Olena Teliha, Oleksandr Dovzhenko, and Borshchahivska Streets;
• Taras Shevchenko Boulevard;
• Air Force Avenue;
• Highways R03 and R69.

In the Brovary district of the Kyiv region, two 20-ton trucks became stuck in snowdrifts and had to be pulled out by police. The transport situation in Kyiv remains critical, and drivers are advised to exercise extreme caution when moving around the city.

The snowfall that hit the capital has not only caused gridlock but has also heightened road safety concerns due to the ice. Authorities are urging drivers to be cautious and to refrain from travel unless it is urgent.

Continued winter precipitation could lead to further travel difficulties, making it important to monitor updates from local services and respond promptly to changing weather conditions.