Kyiv Authorities Report District Official to Police Over False Paton Bridge Safety Graphic

Kyiv City Administration Files Police Report

According to Главком: The Kyiv City State Administration (KCSA) has formally requested police intervention to assess a potential administrative offense by Maksym Bakhmatov, head of the Desnianskyi District State Administration. This action stems from a deceptive infographic Bakhmatov published on his Facebook page on February 27, which contained false information regarding traffic regulations on the Yevhen Paton Bridge. The Paton Bridge is a critical river crossing in the Ukrainian capital.

The KCSA has asked law enforcement to evaluate the official's actions under Article 173-1 of Ukraine's Code of Administrative Offenses, which deals with the dissemination of false information. It is a known fact that heavy truck traffic is prohibited on the Paton Bridge, and water-filled barriers block the outer lanes to all vehicles. Bakhmatov has claimed the bridge has been in an emergency state since 2015.

False Recommendations and Official Response

The misleading graphic also included dangerous driving recommendations, such as:

• keeping vehicle doors unlocked,
• unfastening seatbelts,
• opening windows, and
• keeping a phone ready.

However, the KCSA states that no relevant city departments prepared or published any such instructions.

"This banner is false, and its content and design could have created the impression of an official announcement being circulated on messengers and social networks," stated the Kyiv City State Administration.

This incident highlights the critical need for accurate public safety communications, especially concerning vital infrastructure. Misinformation in such contexts can directly endanger drivers and pedestrians. The KCSA's response is a necessary step to uphold the integrity of official channels and ensure public trust. The outcome of the police assessment will be closely watched, as it touches on accountability for the spread of dangerous falsehoods by public officials.