The Crimean Bridge, which connects the Russian-annexed peninsula to the Russian mainland, could also be the target of a Ukrainian attack. Explosions were heard near the town of Kerch, on the peninsula where the bridge begins. Pictures circulated on social media showing plumes of smoke above the bridge.
What exactly happened is not clear at this point. Traffic across the bridge has now been stopped.
The Crimean Bridge is of great importance for Russia, both strategically and symbolically. Although the peninsula has been made accessible to the Russians by land since the large-scale invasion of Ukraine, the bridge is still used to supply the people of Crimea, the Sevastopol naval base, and Russian forces in southern Ukraine. Moreover, the bridge symbolizes the “eternal bond” between Russia and Crimea.
Over the past year, the bridge has been repeatedly attacked by Ukraine with success. In October last year, the bridge was severely damaged after a major explosion. A month ago, two explosions occurred in a lane of cars, buses and trucks. Part of the bridge was still passable.
Pippin Long
